CVE-2012-3430 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The rds_recvmsg function in net/rds/recv.c in the Linux kernel before 3.0.44 does not initialize a certain structure member, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information from kernel stack memory via a (1) recvfrom or (2) recvmsg system call on an RDS socket.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3430 resides within the Linux kernel's Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) implementation, specifically in the rds_recvmsg function located in net/rds/recv.c. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.0.44. The RDS protocol is designed to provide reliable datagram communication between nodes in high-performance computing environments, particularly in clustered systems where low-latency communication is critical. The vulnerability manifests when certain socket operations are performed on RDS sockets, creating a pathway for unauthorized information extraction from kernel memory space.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient initialization of a structure member within the rds_recvmsg function. When local users execute recvfrom or recvmsg system calls against RDS sockets, the function fails to properly initialize specific memory locations within kernel structures. This incomplete initialization leaves residual data from previous operations present in memory, creating a situation where sensitive information from kernel stack memory can be inadvertently exposed to user-space processes. The flaw operates at the kernel level and requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation vector that could potentially be exploited by malicious users with system-level access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to systems utilizing RDS networking protocols. The exposure of kernel stack memory could potentially reveal sensitive information including cryptographic keys, session tokens, passwords, or other confidential data that might be stored in memory during previous operations. Attackers could leverage this information to compromise system security, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities or credential theft. The vulnerability affects systems where RDS functionality is enabled and actively used, which includes high-performance computing clusters, database server environments, and other specialized networking applications that rely on this protocol for inter-node communication.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1281, which addresses improper initialization of structures, and represents a specific instance of information exposure through uninitialized memory access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables information gathering and potentially provides attackers with additional attack surface for further exploitation. The local nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation requires prior access to the system, but once achieved, it can provide attackers with kernel-level information that may be used to escalate privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3430 primarily involve applying the official kernel patch released by the Linux kernel development team for versions prior to 3.0.44. System administrators should immediately update their kernel installations to version 3.0.44 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly initialize the affected structure members. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling RDS functionality if it is not actively required for their operations, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. Regular kernel updates and security monitoring should be implemented as part of comprehensive security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unpatched in production environments.