CVE-2013-1848 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
fs/ext3/super.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.4 uses incorrect arguments to functions in certain circumstances related to printk input, which allows local users to conduct format-string attacks and possibly gain privileges via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1848 represents a critical format-string vulnerability within the Linux kernel's ext3 file system implementation. This flaw exists in the fs/ext3/super.c file and affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.8.4, making it a significant security concern for systems running older kernel versions. The vulnerability stems from improper argument handling in printk function calls, which are essential for kernel logging and debugging operations. When the ext3 file system encounters specific error conditions or performs certain operations, it invokes printk functions with malformed argument lists that do not correspond to the format string being used.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted applications that can manipulate the kernel's printk function calls to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The flaw allows local attackers to leverage format-string vulnerabilities by providing malicious input that gets processed through the affected kernel functions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings with user-supplied data, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of privileges to gain system-level access. The vulnerability demonstrates how kernel-level format-string issues can be exploited to bypass security mechanisms and achieve privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1848 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain full control over affected systems. Local users who can execute crafted applications can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions before 3.8.4, which includes many enterprise and server environments that may have not yet been updated. This creates a substantial attack surface for threat actors who can exploit the vulnerability to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance within compromised networks. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to initiate and can be triggered through normal file system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1848 focus primarily on kernel version updates to 3.8.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the improper argument handling in printk functions. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to ensure protection against this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious kernel log entries that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the printk functions are often used for logging error conditions and system events. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and argument checking in kernel code, particularly for functions that interface with user-space applications. Security teams should also consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated kernel versions to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities in the kernel's file system implementations.