CVE-2012-2319 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the hfsplus filesystem implementation in the Linux kernel before 3.3.5 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted HFS plus filesystem, a related issue to CVE-2009-4020.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2319 represents a critical security flaw within the Linux kernel's handling of HFS plus filesystems, affecting versions prior to 3.3.5. This issue manifests as multiple buffer overflows that occur during the processing of filesystem metadata, specifically when the kernel attempts to parse and validate HFS plus filesystem structures. The vulnerability exploits the inherent design of the HFS plus filesystem implementation within the Linux kernel, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can be initiated by local users with access to the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the kernel's HFS plus filesystem driver. When processing specially crafted HFS plus filesystem images, the kernel fails to properly validate the size and structure of filesystem metadata elements, leading to buffer overflow conditions in memory regions allocated for filesystem parsing operations. These buffer overflows can be leveraged to overwrite critical kernel memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where successful exploitation directly translates to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2319 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain root-level access to affected systems. This vulnerability can be exploited in various scenarios including compromised user accounts, insider threats, or systems where local access is available through legitimate means. The attack vector requires only local access to the system and the ability to mount or interact with a specially crafted HFS plus filesystem image. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where users might have the capability to mount external storage devices or create filesystem images.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2009-4020 indicates a pattern of filesystem-related buffer overflow issues within the Linux kernel's HFS plus implementation, highlighting the need for comprehensive filesystem validation mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing monitoring for suspicious filesystem mounting activities. The remediation approach requires updating the Linux kernel to version 3.3.5 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and memory validation mechanisms that prevent the buffer overflow conditions from occurring.
The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel-level security validation and the potential consequences of insufficient input sanitization in system-level components. Proper filesystem implementation requires rigorous validation of all input data, particularly when dealing with legacy filesystem formats that may contain unexpected structures or malformed data. Security measures should include regular kernel updates, filesystem access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized filesystem mounting operations. The impact of such vulnerabilities extends beyond immediate privilege escalation to encompass potential data compromise, system availability issues, and broader security posture degradation.