CVE-2013-2850 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
Heap-based buffer overflow in the iscsi_add_notunderstood_response function in drivers/target/iscsi/iscsi_target_parameters.c in the iSCSI target subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.9.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and OOPS) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a long key that is not properly handled during construction of an error-response packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2850 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Linux kernel's iSCSI target subsystem, specifically affecting versions through 3.9.4. This flaw exists in the iscsi_add_notunderstood_response function located in drivers/target/iscsi/iscsi_target_parameters.c, where improper handling of long keys during error-response packet construction creates a dangerous condition that can be exploited remotely by attackers. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management during the processing of iSCSI protocol messages, particularly when dealing with malformed or excessively long key parameters that the system encounters during normal operation. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially escalate to arbitrary code execution or cause system instability through memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a specially crafted iSCSI packet containing an unusually long key parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space in the kernel's memory management system. During the construction of an error-response packet, the iscsi_add_notunderstood_response function fails to properly validate the length of incoming key data before copying it into a fixed-size heap buffer. This failure creates a classic buffer overflow condition where the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical kernel data structures or even allowing for code execution if the overflow can be carefully controlled. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the heap-based nature of the specific implementation makes it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate. The attack vector is remote and requires no local privileges, making it accessible to any network-connected attacker who can establish iSCSI connections to the vulnerable system.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2850 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable complete system compromise through remote code execution. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause kernel memory corruption that results in system crashes, known as OOPS (Oops, an error in the kernel), or more severely, allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This privilege escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where iSCSI targets are exposed to untrusted networks or where the target system handles sensitive data. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions up to 3.9.4, which includes numerous enterprise and server deployments where iSCSI storage targets are commonly used for data storage and backup operations. Organizations using iSCSI-based storage solutions are at significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to storage systems, potentially leading to data theft, modification, or complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2850 must address both immediate protection and long-term system hardening. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched kernel version where the buffer overflow has been corrected through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to iSCSI targets, ensuring that only trusted networks can establish connections to these storage systems. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious iSCSI packets, implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed key parameters, and configuring firewalls to restrict iSCSI traffic to necessary ports only. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in kernel space and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation in network protocol implementations. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates and maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in other kernel subsystems that may present comparable risks. Organizations should review their iSCSI configurations to minimize exposure and ensure that only essential iSCSI services are accessible to external networks.