CVE-2013-1828 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The sctp_getsockopt_assoc_stats function in net/sctp/socket.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.4 does not validate a size value before proceeding to a copy_from_user operation, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application that contains an SCTP_GET_ASSOC_STATS getsockopt system call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1828 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Linux kernel's SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) implementation. This issue exists in the sctp_getsockopt_assoc_stats function located in net/sctp/socket.c, where the kernel fails to properly validate the size parameter before executing a copy_from_user operation. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.8.4, making it a significant concern for systems running older kernel versions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that should have prevented malicious applications from manipulating the size parameter to trigger unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and specifically demonstrates how improper validation of user-supplied data can lead to privilege escalation. The vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow scenario where the size parameter controls how much data the kernel will attempt to copy from user space to kernel space. When an attacker crafts a malicious application that invokes SCTP_GET_ASSOC_STATS with a carefully manipulated size value, the kernel's failure to validate this parameter allows for a copy_from_user operation to proceed with invalid bounds. This creates a potential for kernel memory corruption that can be exploited to elevate privileges from a regular user to root level.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation without requiring any network access or external attack vectors. An attacker with normal user privileges can execute a crafted application that leverages this flaw to gain root access to the compromised system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where regular users have access to applications that might be exploited. The attack requires only local execution capability and does not depend on network connectivity, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for privilege escalation that bypasses normal kernel security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate kernel updates to version 3.8.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to validate the size parameter before the copy_from_user operation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running kernel versions between 2.6.39 and 3.8.3. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of potentially malicious applications that might exploit this vulnerability. Monitoring for unusual system behavior or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and other security mitigations that can further reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities in the kernel codebase.