CVE-2011-4604 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The bat_socket_read function in net/batman-adv/icmp_socket.c in the Linux kernel before 3.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted batman-adv ICMP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4604 resides within the batman-adv kernel module, specifically in the bat_socket_read function located in net/batman-adv/icmp_socket.c. This issue affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.3 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to exploit memory corruption through specially crafted batman-adv ICMP packets. The batman-adv protocol is a mesh networking protocol designed to create wireless mesh networks, and this vulnerability directly impacts the kernel's handling of ICMP socket operations within this mesh networking framework.
The technical flaw manifests when the bat_socket_read function fails to properly validate input parameters from incoming ICMP packets. This inadequate input validation creates a condition where maliciously constructed packets can trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption within the kernel space. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can lead to system instability, crashes, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the specific memory corruption patterns. According to CWE-129, this vulnerability aligns with improper input validation issues that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4604 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability may enable attackers to achieve unspecified other impacts that could include privilege escalation or system compromise. In mesh network environments where batman-adv is deployed, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous since attackers need only be within network range to potentially exploit the flaw. The distributed nature of mesh networks means that a single compromised node could potentially affect the entire network topology, making this vulnerability especially concerning for wireless mesh network deployments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for kernel-mode rootkits and T1068 for local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4604 primarily focus on kernel version updates, as the vulnerability was resolved in Linux kernel version 3.3 and later releases. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to patched kernel versions to eliminate exposure to this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the attack surface, particularly in environments where batman-adv is deployed. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous ICMP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious batman-adv protocol traffic. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel versions and highlights the risks associated with kernel-level vulnerabilities in network protocols that operate with elevated privileges.