CVE-2012-4467 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) do_siocgstamp and (2) do_siocgstampns functions in net/socket.c in the Linux kernel before 3.5.4 use an incorrect argument order, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory or cause a denial of service (system crash) via a crafted ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4467 represents a critical kernel-level flaw in the Linux operating system that affects versions prior to 3.5.4. This issue stems from improper argument handling within two specific kernel functions located in the net/socket.c file. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-457 as "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and falls within the broader category of kernel memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to information disclosure or system instability. The affected functions do_siocgstamp and do_siocgstampns demonstrate a fundamental error in parameter ordering that creates exploitable conditions for local attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves incorrect argument passing in ioctl system calls that are designed to retrieve timestamp information from socket operations. When these functions process ioctl requests, they mishandle the argument sequence, causing the kernel to read from or write to incorrect memory locations. This improper argument order creates a scenario where sensitive kernel memory contents can be inadvertently exposed to unprivileged local users through crafted ioctl calls. The flaw specifically affects the socket timestamping functionality and can be exploited by any local user with access to the system, making it particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4467 extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system stability threats. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to either extract confidential kernel memory data that may contain credentials, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive system information, or to trigger system crashes through carefully constructed ioctl operations. The vulnerability creates a path for privilege escalation and information gathering that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for "Data from Local System" and T1499 for "Endpoint Denial of Service." The memory exposure aspect particularly concerns security professionals as it can reveal kernel structures, addresses, or other system internals that could be used in more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates to Linux kernel versions 3.5.4 or later where the argument order issue has been corrected. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and implement monitoring for suspicious ioctl activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper function parameter validation in kernel code and serves as a reminder of how subtle coding errors can create significant security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel module signing, system call filtering, and comprehensive logging of socket operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of rigorous code review processes for kernel-level functions and highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date system configurations to protect against known exploits.