CVE-2010-4346 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The install_special_mapping function in mm/mmap.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37-rc6 does not make an expected security_file_mmap function call, which allows local users to bypass intended mmap_min_addr restrictions and possibly conduct NULL pointer dereference attacks via a crafted assembly-language application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4346 represents a critical security flaw in the Linux kernel's memory management subsystem that affects versions prior to 2.6.37-rc6. This issue resides within the install_special_mapping function located in the mm/mmap.c file, which is responsible for handling special memory mappings during process execution. The flaw stems from the absence of a crucial security_file_mmap function call that should normally validate memory mapping operations against the mmap_min_addr restriction. This restriction is a fundamental security mechanism designed to prevent processes from mapping memory regions at addresses below a specified minimum threshold, thereby protecting against potential privilege escalation attacks that could exploit low-memory addresses.
The technical nature of this vulnerability creates a pathway for local attackers to bypass the intended security controls that govern memory mapping operations in Linux systems. When the install_special_mapping function fails to invoke the security_file_mmap function, it allows malicious applications to circumvent the mmap_min_addr protection that typically prevents mapping memory at addresses below a certain boundary. This boundary is established to prevent attackers from mapping memory regions that could potentially interfere with kernel memory structures or exploit other security mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the kernel's memory management code path where special mappings are established, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft assembly-language applications that can manipulate memory mappings in ways that violate the intended security policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple bypass of memory restrictions to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including NULL pointer dereference conditions. When the mmap_min_addr restriction is bypassed, attackers can map memory regions at addresses that would normally be protected, potentially allowing them to access kernel memory locations or manipulate memory structures in ways that could lead to privilege escalation. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges and potentially take full control of the affected system. The attack vector requires local access and involves crafting specific assembly-language applications that can exploit this function call omission to manipulate memory mappings beyond the intended security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4346 primarily focus on upgrading to kernel versions 2.6.37-rc6 or later where the security_file_mmap function call has been properly implemented in the install_special_mapping function. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant kernel patches as soon as possible to address this vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper system hardening practices such as enabling kernel address space layout randomization, restricting local user privileges, and monitoring for unusual memory mapping activities. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in the kernel's memory management, and represents a significant concern in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques that leverage kernel vulnerabilities. This issue demonstrates the critical importance of proper function call implementation in kernel code and highlights how seemingly minor omissions in security validation can create substantial attack surfaces that compromise system integrity and security posture.