CVE-2011-4190 in kdump
Summary
by MITRE
The kdump implementation is missing the host key verification in the kdump and mkdumprd OpenSSH integration of kdump prior to version 2012-01-20. This is similar to CVE-2011-3588, but different in that the kdump implementation is specific to SUSE. A remote malicious kdump server could use this flaw to impersonate the correct kdump server to obtain security sensitive information (kdump core files).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-4190 represents a critical security flaw in the kdump implementation within SUSE Linux distributions, specifically affecting versions prior to 2012-01-20. Kdump is a kernel crash dump mechanism designed to capture memory contents when a system crashes, enabling forensic analysis and system recovery. The flaw exists in the integration between kdump and the mkdumprd utility with OpenSSH, where the system fails to perform proper host key verification during the transfer of crash dump files. This missing verification step creates a significant security gap that allows attackers to exploit the kdump infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of SSH host key verification in the kdump workflow, which is categorized under CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" and specifically relates to "Missing Verification of a Cryptographic Signature." When kdump attempts to transfer core dump files to a remote server using SSH, it does not validate the authenticity of the target server's host key, making the system susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. This weakness is particularly dangerous because kdump core files contain sensitive system information including memory contents, process information, and potentially confidential data that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the system's crash handling mechanism. Attackers could impersonate legitimate kdump servers and intercept or manipulate crash dump data, potentially gaining access to sensitive system information, credentials, or proprietary data stored in memory. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where kdump is used for system monitoring and forensic analysis, as the compromise could lead to information disclosure, system integrity violations, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1565.001 for "Data Manipulation" and T1078 for "Valid Accounts" as attackers could leverage compromised kdump functionality to maintain persistence or escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper host key verification mechanisms within the kdump configuration. System administrators should ensure that SSH host key verification is enabled and properly configured in kdump's OpenSSH integration, typically by implementing strict host key checking policies. The recommended approach involves updating to kdump versions released after January 2012, which include the necessary host key verification functionality. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to kdump servers and establish proper key management practices for SSH connections. Security controls should include monitoring for unauthorized kdump server connections and implementing automated patch management to ensure timely deployment of security fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of cryptographic verification in system components and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for secure system configuration and access control management.