CVE-2013-4299 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Interpretation conflict in drivers/md/dm-snap-persistent.c in the Linux kernel through 3.11.6 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information or modify data via a crafted mapping to a snapshot block device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4299 represents a critical interpretation conflict within the Linux kernel's device mapper subsystem, specifically affecting the dm-snap-persistent.c driver component. This flaw exists in Linux kernel versions through 3.11.6 and stems from improper handling of persistent snapshot block devices, creating a scenario where authenticated remote attackers can exploit the system's interpretation of mapping operations to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or manipulate existing data within snapshot volumes. The vulnerability resides in the kernel's storage management layer, where the device mapper subsystem handles logical volume management and snapshot operations, making it a fundamental component of the operating system's data integrity mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests through a conflict in how the kernel interprets and processes mapping requests to persistent snapshot block devices. When a user with authentication credentials attempts to create or modify mappings to snapshot volumes, the kernel's dm-snap-persistent.c driver fails to properly validate or sanitize the mapping operations, leading to potential information disclosure or data modification. This interpretation conflict allows attackers to craft specific mapping requests that bypass normal access controls and validation checks, enabling them to either read sensitive information stored within snapshot volumes or modify data in ways that should be restricted to authorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where such flaws can provide attackers with deep system access and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access issues, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of snapshot-based storage systems. Remote authenticated users can exploit this flaw to access sensitive data that should be protected within snapshot volumes, potentially exposing system configuration details, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in these protected storage areas. Additionally, the ability to modify data within snapshot block devices creates risks for data integrity, as attackers could manipulate backup or snapshot data that might be used for system recovery or audit purposes. This vulnerability affects systems that utilize device mapper persistent snapshots, which are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for backup, recovery, and storage management purposes, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4299 require immediate kernel updates to versions that address the interpretation conflict in the dm-snap-persistent.c driver. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and ensure that all kernel components are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes for the device mapper snapshot handling. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the number of authenticated users who can interact with snapshot volumes, reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability. Monitoring for unauthorized mapping operations or suspicious activity within snapshot volumes should be implemented as part of security operations, as these activities could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system, highlighting the potential for information disclosure and system compromise through kernel-level vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and interpretation consistency in kernel-level drivers, as flaws in fundamental system components can have far-reaching consequences for data security and system integrity. The persistence of such vulnerabilities in widely-used kernel versions underscores the necessity for continuous security assessment and prompt patch management processes. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures that include kernel component analysis and vulnerability assessment to identify and remediate similar interpretation conflicts before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The remediation process should also include verification that snapshot volumes are properly secured and that access controls are appropriately configured to prevent unauthorized mapping operations that could trigger this vulnerability.