CVE-2013-2164 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The mmc_ioctl_cdrom_read_data function in drivers/cdrom/cdrom.c in the Linux kernel through 3.10 allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory via a read operation on a malfunctioning CD-ROM drive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2164 resides within the Linux kernel's cdrom subsystem, specifically in the mmc_ioctl_cdrom_read_data function located in drivers/cdrom/cdrom.c. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the kernel fails to properly validate or sanitize data read from optical media devices. The issue manifests when a CD-ROM drive encounters operational problems or malfunctions, creating a scenario where the kernel's error handling mechanism inadvertently exposes kernel memory contents to unprivileged local users. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which categorizes improper information disclosure, and demonstrates how seemingly benign error conditions can be exploited to access sensitive system data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted read operation on a malfunctioning CD-ROM drive interface. When the kernel attempts to read data from a defective optical drive, the mmc_ioctl_cdrom_read_data function does not adequately check for proper error conditions or validate the data buffer before returning information to user-space applications. This allows local users to perform read operations that bypass normal kernel memory protection mechanisms, effectively enabling them to dump portions of kernel memory that should remain inaccessible. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond standard user access and can be triggered through normal system operations involving optical media devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for Linux systems running affected kernel versions through 3.10. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive information including cryptographic keys, passwords, kernel pointers, and other confidential data that may be present in kernel memory at the time of the read operation. The information disclosure can potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities, as attackers might discover kernel addresses, stack contents, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged in more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the security isolation that separates user-space applications from kernel-space operations, making it a critical concern for system administrators and security professionals.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2013-2164 involves applying the appropriate kernel security patches that were released by the Linux kernel development team. The fix typically includes implementing proper input validation and error handling within the mmc_ioctl_cdrom_read_data function to prevent the leakage of kernel memory contents during error conditions. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to patched releases, with the specific patch addressing this vulnerability available in kernel versions 3.11 and later. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring to detect unusual read operations on optical media devices and consider restricting local user access to optical drive interfaces where possible. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves the use of system commands to gather information, and demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can enable persistent information gathering capabilities for attackers.