CVE-2010-4157 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ioc_general function in drivers/scsi/gdth.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36.1 on 64-bit platforms allows local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a large argument in an ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4157 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's SCSI subsystem, specifically in the gdth driver component. This issue affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.36.1 on 64-bit architectures, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by local attackers to compromise system stability and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability resides in the ioc_general function located within drivers/scsi/gdth.c, which handles ioctl (input/output control) operations for certain SCSI devices.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper input validation within the ioctl handling mechanism of the gdth driver. When a local user submits a large argument through an ioctl call to the affected driver, the integer overflow occurs during arithmetic operations that should have been bounded by proper validation checks. This overflow condition leads to memory corruption within kernel space, as the system attempts to allocate memory or perform operations using incorrectly calculated values that exceed normal operational bounds. The 64-bit platform architecture exacerbates this issue because the larger address space and pointer sizes create additional opportunities for overflow conditions to manifest as memory corruption rather than simple truncation errors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as demonstrated by the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description. Local users with access to the system can potentially leverage this flaw to cause system crashes, memory corruption, or in some cases, achieve privilege escalation or code execution within kernel space. The memory corruption resulting from the integer overflow can lead to unpredictable behavior including system hangs, kernel panics, or even more serious exploitation scenarios where attackers might be able to manipulate kernel memory structures to gain elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create severe security implications in kernel space operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates to version 2.6.36.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the integer overflow condition in the gdth driver. System administrators should prioritize applying these updates across all affected systems, particularly those running 64-bit Linux kernels where the vulnerability is most pronounced. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the application level can help reduce the attack surface by ensuring that ioctl parameters are properly bounded before being passed to kernel drivers. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', as local users could potentially exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges through kernel memory corruption. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual ioctl activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability specifically targets the ioctl interface of SCSI drivers, making it detectable through proper system logging and security monitoring practices.