CVE-2013-2929 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The Linux kernel before 3.12.2 does not properly use the get_dumpable function, which allows local users to bypass intended ptrace restrictions or obtain sensitive information from IA64 scratch registers via a crafted application, related to kernel/ptrace.c and arch/ia64/include/asm/processor.h.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2929 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's ptrace implementation that affects versions prior to 3.12.2. This issue specifically targets the IA64 architecture and stems from improper handling of the get_dumpable function within the kernel's memory management subsystem. The vulnerability resides in kernel/ptrace.c and arch/ia64/include/asm/processor.h files, making it a complex issue that spans both generic ptrace functionality and architecture-specific processor handling. The flaw allows local attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions that should prevent unauthorized memory access and information disclosure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the kernel's insufficient validation of ptrace operations when dealing with IA64 scratch registers. The get_dumpable function, which should control whether a process can be traced or dumped for debugging purposes, fails to properly enforce these restrictions in the IA64 architecture context. This improper implementation creates a pathway for malicious applications to access memory regions and register contents that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between ptrace system calls and the IA64 processor's scratch register management, where sensitive information can be extracted through crafted applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running affected Linux kernel versions, particularly those utilizing IA64 architecture. Local users can exploit this flaw to bypass ptrace restrictions that are fundamental to system security and process isolation. The ability to access IA64 scratch registers provides attackers with potentially sensitive information that could be used for privilege escalation or further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in kernel security. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as access to processor registers can provide insights into system state and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks.
Systems utilizing the affected Linux kernel versions should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended action is to upgrade to kernel version 3.12.2 or later, where the fix has been implemented to properly enforce the get_dumpable function behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of ptrace system calls to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should review current ptrace restrictions and ensure proper access controls are in place, particularly for processes running on IA64 architecture systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel versions and proper security configuration management, as outlined in various security frameworks including the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing process monitoring to detect suspicious ptrace operations that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where IA64 architecture is utilized.