CVE-2010-4162 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in fs/bio.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36.2 allow local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a crafted device ioctl to a SCSI device.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4162 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Linux kernel's block I/O subsystem, specifically in the fs/bio.c file. This flaw exists in kernel versions prior to 2.6.36.2 and affects the handling of SCSI device ioctls. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and overflow checking when processing device control commands, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted ioctl parameters can trigger unexpected behavior in kernel memory management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper integer arithmetic handling within the kernel's bio (block I/O) layer. When a local user submits a crafted ioctl command to a SCSI device, the kernel processes these commands without adequate bounds checking on integer values that should represent buffer sizes or data lengths. This allows an attacker to manipulate integer variables in such a way that they overflow beyond their intended range, potentially causing memory corruption or invalid memory access patterns. The flaw operates at the kernel level where integer overflows can lead to memory allocation issues, buffer overruns, or pointer manipulation that destabilizes the kernel's memory management subsystem.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for local attackers who can leverage it to cause system crashes and denial of service conditions. The impact extends beyond simple system instability as it can potentially be exploited to crash the entire kernel, leading to complete system downtime. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local access to exploit, meaning any user with access to the system can potentially trigger the condition. This makes it a valuable primitive for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or to disrupt system availability in targeted environments. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor arithmetic overflow issues in kernel code can have catastrophic effects on system stability.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-4162 involves immediate kernel version updates to 2.6.36.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches addressing the integer overflow conditions in the bio.c file. System administrators should prioritize applying these updates across all affected systems, particularly in production environments where availability is critical. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking in kernel modules can serve as defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual ioctl activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize downtime from potential system crashes.