CVE-2011-1180 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the iriap_getvaluebyclass_indication function in net/irda/iriap.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.39 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact by leveraging connectivity to an IrDA infrared network and sending a large integer value for a (1) name length or (2) attribute length.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1180 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's IrDA (Infrared Data Association) implementation. This issue resides in the iriap_getvaluebyclass_indication function located in net/irda/iriap.c, affecting Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.39. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize integer values received from remote IrDA network connections, creating exploitable conditions that can lead to system instability and potential security compromises.
The technical flaw manifests when remote attackers establish connectivity to an IrDA infrared network and transmit malformed data containing excessively large integer values for either name length or attribute length parameters. The function processes these values without sufficient bounds checking, allowing the data to overflow the predetermined stack buffer space allocated for these parameters. This buffer overflow condition creates memory corruption that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes depending on the specific memory layout and exploitation circumstances. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass user-space protections and directly impact system stability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems utilizing IrDA connectivity, particularly in environments where infrared communication is enabled and accessible to untrusted networks. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges within the affected system. The nature of the flaw means that any device running an unpatched Linux kernel with IrDA support becomes a potential target, creating widespread exposure across various embedded systems, servers, and desktop environments that may have IrDA functionality enabled.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which classifies this issue as a fundamental memory safety problem where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code and potentially escalate privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that IrDA networks can be easily accessed through infrared communication, making this a vector that requires minimal network proximity for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions 2.6.39 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper bounds checking implementations. System administrators should also disable IrDA functionality on systems where it is not required, particularly in server environments where unnecessary services increase attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit infrared connectivity to trusted environments only, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all kernel components are up to date and that unnecessary protocols are disabled to minimize potential attack vectors.