CVE-2010-4649 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ib_uverbs_poll_cq function in drivers/infiniband/core/uverbs_cmd.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37 allows local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a large value of a certain structure member.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4649 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Linux kernel's Infiniband subsystem, specifically affecting the ib_uverbs_poll_cq function located in drivers/infiniband/core/uverbs_cmd.c. This flaw exists in kernel versions prior to 2.6.37 and demonstrates a classic security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to compromise system stability and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing user-space requests for Infiniband completion queue polling operations, where a malicious user can manipulate a structure member to trigger integer overflow conditions that lead to memory corruption. The affected function processes requests from user-space applications that interact with Infiniband hardware through the unified verbs interface, making this a significant concern for systems utilizing high-performance networking capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of a structure member that controls the number of completion queue entries to be polled, allowing an attacker to specify an excessively large value that exceeds the maximum representable value for the integer type used in the calculation. When the kernel processes this malformed input, the integer overflow occurs during arithmetic operations that determine buffer allocation or memory access boundaries, resulting in corrupted memory structures that can lead to system crashes or unpredictable behavior. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local system vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges or cause system instability. The flaw essentially allows a local user to bypass normal kernel memory management protections and manipulate kernel data structures in ways that were not anticipated during the original design phase.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4649 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the memory corruption that results from the integer overflow can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, representing a serious escalation of privilege vulnerability. Systems utilizing Infiniband networking capabilities, particularly those running older kernel versions, face significant risk from this vulnerability as local attackers can exploit it without requiring special permissions or network access. The vulnerability affects not only the stability of individual systems but can also compromise the integrity of networked environments where Infiniband is used for high-speed data exchange between servers and storage systems. Organizations running kernel versions before 2.6.37 that utilize Infiniband infrastructure should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat requiring immediate remediation. The memory corruption effects can manifest as system crashes, data loss, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the specific memory locations that become corrupted during the overflow condition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4649 primarily focus on upgrading to kernel versions 2.6.37 or later where the integer overflow has been properly addressed through enhanced input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including disabling unnecessary Infiniband functionality when not required, monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and applying kernel hardening patches that provide additional protection against similar integer overflow conditions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current kernel versions and implementing robust input validation practices in kernel-space code, particularly for functions that process user-supplied data that could potentially influence memory allocation or access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated kernel versions to ensure compatibility with existing Infiniband hardware and applications before full deployment across production environments.