CVE-2011-1078 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The sco_sock_getsockopt_old function in net/bluetooth/sco.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.39 does not initialize a certain structure, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information from kernel stack memory via the SCO_CONNINFO option.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1078 resides within the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically in the sco_sock_getsockopt_old function located in net/bluetooth/sco.c. This flaw represents a classic case of information disclosure through improper memory initialization, where the kernel fails to properly initialize a structure before returning it to user-space applications. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.39, making it a significant concern for systems running older kernel versions that may still be in production use. The issue manifests when the SCO_CONNINFO option is utilized, which is part of the Bluetooth SCO (Synchronous Connection-Oriented) socket interface designed for voice and audio data transmission over Bluetooth connections.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1286, which classifies improper initialization of structure fields as a weakness that can lead to information exposure. When the sco_sock_getsockopt_old function processes the SCO_CONNINFO option, it fails to initialize certain fields within the structure before populating them with data from kernel memory. This incomplete initialization means that sensitive data remnants from previous kernel operations, potentially including credentials, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information, may remain in the uninitialized memory regions and get exposed to local users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where access to such information could provide attackers with significant leverage for further exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to potentially extract sensitive kernel stack memory information through legitimate Bluetooth socket operations. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could contain cryptographic material, session tokens, or other security-sensitive data that might aid in privilege escalation or system compromise. Attackers could potentially leverage this information to conduct more sophisticated attacks, including credential harvesting or exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the system. The local nature of this vulnerability means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where less privileged users might attempt to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory contents.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2011-1078 involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.39 or later, where the improper initialization issue has been resolved through proper structure initialization before data is returned to user-space. System administrators should prioritize kernel updates, particularly in environments where Bluetooth functionality is in use and where local privilege escalation risks are significant. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unauthorized Bluetooth socket operations and consider restricting access to Bluetooth functionality where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in kernel code and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of kernel functions that interact with user-space applications. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and script interpreter usage, as local users could potentially leverage the information disclosure to craft more targeted attacks or establish persistent access to systems.