CVE-2010-4529 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in the irda_getsockopt function in net/irda/af_irda.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37 on platforms other than x86 allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information from kernel heap memory via an IRLMP_ENUMDEVICES getsockopt call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4529 represents a critical integer underflow condition within the Linux kernel's IrDA (Infrared Data Association) subsystem. This flaw exists in the irda_getsockopt function located in net/irda/af_irda.c, specifically affecting kernel versions prior to 2.6.37 across non-x86 platforms. The issue arises when processing IRLMP_ENUMDEVICES getsockopt calls, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the integer values to cause unexpected behavior in memory handling operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the IrDA protocol handling code. When a local user executes an IRLMP_ENUMDEVICES getsockopt call with malformed parameters, the integer underflow occurs during memory allocation calculations. This condition allows the kernel to perform memory operations with incorrect buffer sizes, potentially leading to information disclosure from kernel heap memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing access to sensitive data that should remain protected from user-space processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running affected kernel versions, especially those utilizing IrDA functionality for device communication. Local attackers can exploit this weakness to extract potentially sensitive information from kernel memory, which may include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data stored in the heap. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could reveal system configuration details, memory layout information, or other data that could be leveraged for further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and information disclosure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access to the system, making it less severe than remote exploits but still highly concerning for systems where privilege escalation is possible. Attackers can craft specific getsockopt calls that trigger the integer underflow, causing the kernel to return unintended memory contents. The fact that this affects non-x86 platforms indicates the vulnerability is architecture-independent and affects various embedded systems and servers using IrDA protocols. Mitigation strategies must include kernel version updates to 2.6.37 or later, where the integer underflow has been properly addressed through improved input validation and boundary checking mechanisms.
Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly minor input validation flaws can lead to significant information disclosure risks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through kernel vulnerabilities, where local users can leverage kernel-level flaws to access sensitive information. System administrators should monitor for any IrDA-related network traffic and ensure that kernel security updates are applied promptly. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation in kernel space code and highlights the potential for information disclosure attacks to compromise system security through memory handling errors.