CVE-2012-3400 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
Heap-based buffer overflow in the udf_load_logicalvol function in fs/udf/super.c in the Linux kernel before 3.4.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted UDF filesystem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3400 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Linux kernel's Universal Disk Format UDF filesystem implementation. This flaw exists within the udf_load_logicalvol function located in the fs/udf/super.c source file, where improper input validation leads to memory corruption during UDF filesystem processing. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.4.5, making it a significant concern for systems running older kernel versions that have not received the necessary security patches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking when processing UDF filesystem structures, specifically logical volume descriptors. When a maliciously crafted UDF filesystem is mounted or accessed, the udf_load_logicalvol function fails to properly validate the size parameters of logical volume structures, allowing an attacker to write beyond allocated heap memory boundaries. This heap corruption manifests as a system crash or potential privilege escalation depending on the specific exploitation scenario, as the overflow can overwrite critical kernel memory structures and potentially allow arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to Linux systems that may encounter untrusted UDF filesystems, particularly in environments where users can mount external storage devices or access network file systems. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks, as demonstrated by the potential for unspecified other impacts that could include privilege escalation or system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malformed UDF filesystem image that, when processed by the vulnerable kernel, triggers the buffer overflow condition.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for exploit development. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to kernel version 3.4.5 or later, as this release contains the necessary fixes to address the buffer overflow in the UDF filesystem implementation. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict filesystem access controls and monitor for unauthorized UDF filesystem mounting operations to reduce the attack surface. The fix involves proper validation of input parameters before memory allocation and implementation of robust bounds checking mechanisms to prevent heap memory corruption during UDF filesystem processing operations.