CVE-2012-2313 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The rio_ioctl function in drivers/net/ethernet/dlink/dl2k.c in the Linux kernel before 3.3.7 does not restrict access to the SIOCSMIIREG command, which allows local users to write data to an Ethernet adapter via an ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2313 resides within the Linux kernel's network driver implementation, specifically in the rio_ioctl function located in drivers/net/ethernet/dlink/dl2k.c. This flaw represents a critical access control issue that affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.3.7, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of ioctl command parameters, allowing unauthorized local users to manipulate Ethernet adapter settings through direct hardware interface calls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the SIOCSMIIREG command, which is designed for managing Media Independent Interface registers in Ethernet adapters. However, the rio_ioctl function fails to properly validate or restrict access to this command, enabling local attackers to craft malicious ioctl calls that write arbitrary data to the Ethernet adapter's registers. This lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation, as the ioctl interface typically operates with elevated privileges required for hardware manipulation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, specifically manifesting as insufficient privilege checks in kernel-level operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for Linux systems running affected kernel versions. Local users who can execute code on the system gain the ability to manipulate network hardware directly, potentially leading to network disruption, data interception, or further exploitation. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as attackers could leverage this capability to modify network adapter configurations, disable network connectivity, or establish persistent backdoors through hardware-level modifications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1063, which covers the use of system calls and kernel interfaces for privilege escalation and system manipulation.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-2313 involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 3.3.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper access control implementation. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting local user access to system resources, monitoring for suspicious ioctl activity, and maintaining up-to-date kernel versions through regular security patches. The fix typically involves adding proper validation checks to ensure that only authorized processes can execute the SIOCSMIIREG command, thereby preventing unauthorized hardware manipulation while maintaining legitimate network management functionality. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment to prevent exploitation of this critical access control flaw.