CVE-2013-2234 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) key_notify_sa_flush and (2) key_notify_policy_flush functions in net/key/af_key.c in the Linux kernel before 3.10 do not initialize certain structure members, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel heap memory by reading a broadcast message from the notify interface of an IPSec key_socket.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2234 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Linux kernel's IPSec implementation. This vulnerability exists in the key_notify_sa_flush and key_notify_policy_flush functions located in the net/key/af_key.c file of kernel versions prior to 3.10. The flaw stems from improper initialization of specific structure members during the processing of IPSec key socket notifications, creating a pathway for unauthorized information retrieval from kernel memory space.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-457, which describes "Use of Uninitialized Variable," and specifically relates to the improper handling of memory initialization within kernel space operations. When local users interact with the IPSec key_socket notify interface, they can trigger the execution of these functions without proper memory initialization. This allows attackers to read uninitialized memory contents that may contain sensitive kernel data, potentially including cryptographic keys, session information, or other confidential operational details that were previously stored in the heap memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to kernel heap memory that could contain valuable cryptographic material or system state information. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local user privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any user with system access. The attack vector involves establishing communication with the IPSec key_socket interface and reading broadcast messages that trigger the vulnerable functions, enabling potential attackers to gather sensitive information that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of the ATT&CK technique T1005, which involves data from local system sources, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers could leverage this information to develop more sophisticated attacks. The flaw affects systems running Linux kernel versions before 3.10, making it a widespread issue across many enterprise and server environments that had not yet been patched. Organizations using IPSec implementations in their network security infrastructure face particular risk, as this vulnerability could expose sensitive cryptographic information that would otherwise remain protected within kernel memory space.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2234 primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 3.10 or later, where the memory initialization issues have been addressed through proper structure member initialization. System administrators should also implement monitoring of IPSec key_socket interface usage and consider restricting access to these interfaces where possible. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment across their infrastructure. The fix implemented in kernel 3.10 ensures that all structure members are properly initialized before processing IPSec notifications, eliminating the information disclosure pathway that existed in previous versions.