CVE-2011-1748 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The raw_release function in net/can/raw.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.39-rc6 does not properly validate a socket data structure, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted release operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1748 resides within the Linux kernel's CAN (Controller Area Network) subsystem, specifically in the raw.c file where the raw_release function operates. This flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation that can lead to severe operational consequences within embedded systems and automotive environments where CAN communication is prevalent. The CAN protocol serves as the backbone for vehicle communication systems and industrial control networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for automotive cybersecurity and industrial automation sectors.
The technical implementation of the vulnerability stems from a critical oversight in the raw_release function's handling of socket data structures during cleanup operations. When a socket is released, the function fails to properly validate the socket's internal state and data structure pointers before attempting to access them. This validation gap creates a condition where a local attacker can craft malicious release operations that manipulate the socket's data structure to contain NULL pointers or invalid memory references. The vulnerability manifests as a NULL pointer dereference, which typically results in kernel panic and system crash, effectively causing a denial of service condition that can bring entire vehicle systems or industrial control units to a halt.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the kernel space. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest that the improper validation could potentially allow privilege escalation or information disclosure scenarios, particularly in environments where local users have access to CAN socket operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a significant concern for automotive security frameworks that must adhere to standards like ISO 26262 for functional safety in automotive applications. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly relevant for environments where multiple users or processes interact with CAN subsystems.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1748 primarily involve applying the kernel patch released with Linux kernel version 2.6.39-rc6, which properly validates socket data structures before attempting cleanup operations. System administrators should prioritize updating embedded automotive systems and industrial control networks to ensure protection against this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges can reduce the attack surface for potential exploitation. Organizations should also consider deploying kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to further mitigate potential exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations and underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing of critical system components that operate in safety-critical environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation and kernel exploits.