CVE-2011-1010 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the mac_partition function in fs/partitions/mac.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37.2 allows local users to cause a denial of service (panic) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a malformed Mac OS partition table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1010 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's partition handling subsystem. This issue resides in the mac_partition function located in fs/partitions/mac.c, which processes Mac OS partition tables during kernel initialization and system boot processes. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.37.2, making it a significant concern for systems running older kernel versions that have not received the necessary security patches. The flaw specifically manifests when the kernel attempts to parse malformed Mac OS partition table structures, creating an exploitable condition that can lead to system instability and potential privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the mac_partition function processes partition table entries without adequate bounds checking on the input data. This function is responsible for parsing and validating partition information from Mac OS formatted storage devices, particularly those using the Mac Partition Map format. When malformed data is encountered, the function fails to properly validate the size or structure of partition entries, allowing an attacker to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This condition results in memory corruption that can trigger kernel panic conditions, effectively causing the system to crash and become unavailable. The vulnerability's classification as a CWE-121 buffer overflow indicates improper handling of fixed-length buffers during dynamic memory operations, specifically when dealing with user-supplied or external data structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1010 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability may enable local privilege escalation under certain conditions. Attackers with local access to a system can exploit this flaw by creating or manipulating partition table structures on storage devices that the kernel will process during boot or partition scanning operations. When the vulnerable kernel encounters these malformed partition tables, the buffer overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution in kernel space, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects systems that support Mac OS partitioning schemes, including those running on Apple hardware or systems that may encounter Mac-formatted storage devices. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where mixed operating systems or legacy hardware configurations are present, as the kernel may automatically attempt to parse partition tables from any connected storage device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1010 primarily focus on kernel version updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.37.2 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running kernel versions between 2.6.37 and 2.6.37.1, as these versions remain vulnerable to exploitation. Additional defensive measures include disabling automatic partition scanning on systems that do not require Mac OS partition support, implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modification of storage devices, and monitoring for suspicious partition table structures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, as it can be leveraged by local adversaries to compromise system availability and potentially gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to further mitigate exploitation potential, though the primary defense remains maintaining updated kernel versions with proper security patches.