CVE-2013-2147 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The HP Smart Array controller disk-array driver and Compaq SMART2 controller disk-array driver in the Linux kernel through 3.9.4 do not initialize certain data structures, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory via (1) a crafted IDAGETPCIINFO command for a /dev/ida device, related to the ida_locked_ioctl function in drivers/block/cpqarray.c or (2) a crafted CCISS_PASSTHRU32 command for a /dev/cciss device, related to the cciss_ioctl32_passthru function in drivers/block/cciss.c.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2147 affects the Linux kernel versions through 3.9.4 and specifically targets the disk-array drivers used by HP Smart Array and Compaq SMART2 storage controllers. This issue stems from improper initialization of critical data structures within the kernel's block device drivers, creating a information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited by local attackers with access to these specific device interfaces. The flaw exists in two primary locations: the ida_locked_ioctl function within drivers/block/cpqarray.c and the cciss_ioctl32_passthru function in drivers/block/cciss.c, both of which handle IOCTL commands for their respective storage controller interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying initialization flaw. The first vector utilizes a crafted IDAGETPCIINFO command against /dev/ida devices, while the second employs a manipulated CCISS_PASSTHRU32 command against /dev/cciss devices. Both attack methods leverage the fact that kernel data structures are not properly initialized before being populated with information from user-space IOCTL requests. This incomplete initialization allows sensitive kernel memory contents to be inadvertently exposed to local users who can then read this information through the device interface, potentially revealing system memory layout details, kernel pointers, or other confidential data that should remain protected within kernel space.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2147 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental security flaw in how kernel drivers handle device-specific IOCTL commands. Attackers with local access to these storage controller interfaces can potentially gather enough information to aid in more sophisticated attacks, including kernel address space layout information that could be used for bypassing security mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, which deals with improper access to data structures, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices in kernel space, where the drivers fail to properly sanitize or initialize data structures before exposing them to user-space applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2147 require immediate patching of affected Linux kernel versions to 3.9.5 or later, where the proper initialization of data structures has been implemented. System administrators should also consider restricting local access to the affected device interfaces /dev/ida and /dev/cciss where possible, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for suspicious IOCTL usage patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and ensure that all storage controller drivers are updated to versions that properly initialize kernel data structures. The fix implemented in the patched kernel versions addresses the root cause by ensuring that all relevant data structures are properly initialized before being populated with data from IOCTL commands, preventing the leakage of kernel memory contents through these interfaces.