CVE-2010-4175 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the rds_cmsg_rdma_args function (net/rds/rdma.c) in Linux kernel 2.6.35 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly trigger memory corruption via a crafted Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) request, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-3865.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4175 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Linux kernel's Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) implementation. This flaw exists in the rds_cmsg_rdma_args function located in the net/rds/rdma.c source file of kernel version 2.6.35. The RDS protocol provides a high-performance communication mechanism for cluster computing environments, enabling direct memory access operations between nodes in a network. The integer overflow occurs when processing RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) arguments in a crafted RDS request, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the size parameters to exceed the maximum representable value for a signed integer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper handling of size calculations within the kernel's RDS subsystem. When a local user crafts a malicious RDS request containing oversized or malformed RDMA arguments, the kernel's integer arithmetic operations can overflow, resulting in unexpected behavior. This overflow condition typically manifests as a negative value being interpreted as a positive size parameter, causing memory allocation functions to either fail or allocate insufficient memory. The flaw operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any local user with access to the system, regardless of their privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an Integer Overflow or Wraparound, specifically involving signed integer overflow in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4175 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more severe memory corruption scenarios. When the integer overflow occurs, the kernel's memory management subsystem may attempt to allocate memory blocks of incorrect sizes, leading to memory corruption that can result in system crashes, kernel panics, or unpredictable behavior. The local nature of this vulnerability means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it, making it particularly concerning for multi-user environments or systems where privilege separation is not properly enforced. The attack vector is relatively simple as it only requires local access and the ability to send crafted RDS messages, which can be achieved through standard user-space programs. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 by leveraging local privilege escalation opportunities within kernel space, though it does not require elevated privileges to trigger the initial exploit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4175 primarily focus on kernel updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched kernel version where the integer overflow has been corrected through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit potential attack surfaces by restricting RDS protocol usage to trusted environments only. Additionally, implementing kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel module signing can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation in kernel space operations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of network protocols, particularly those involving memory management and direct access operations. Organizations should also consider disabling RDS functionality entirely if it is not required for their specific use cases, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. Regular security audits and kernel vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network subsystems that may present analogous integer overflow risks.