CVE-2013-4587 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in the kvm_vm_ioctl_create_vcpu function in virt/kvm/kvm_main.c in the KVM subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.12.5 allows local users to gain privileges via a large id value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4587 represents a critical array index error within the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) subsystem of the Linux kernel version 3.12.5 and earlier. This flaw exists in the kvm_vm_ioctl_create_vcpu function located in virt/kvm/kvm_main.c, which is responsible for creating virtual CPU instances within KVM virtual machines. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing the id parameter, which is used to determine the array index for virtual CPU allocation. When a malicious local user provides a large id value, the function fails to properly bounds-check this parameter against the allocated array size, leading to an out-of-bounds memory access condition.
This array index error falls under the CWE-129 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking for buffer access operations. The flaw allows for potential privilege escalation from a local user to root level access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where untrusted users might have access to virtualization capabilities. The vulnerability operates through the KVM ioctl interface, which provides a mechanism for userspace applications to communicate with the kernel's virtualization subsystem, enabling direct manipulation of virtual machine parameters through system calls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the kernel space, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious ioctl calls with oversized id parameters, causing the kernel to access memory locations outside the intended array boundaries. This could result in memory corruption, information disclosure, or system instability, depending on the specific memory locations accessed. The vulnerability affects all Linux systems running kernel versions up to 3.12.5 that have KVM virtualization enabled, making it widespread across numerous production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4587 primarily involve upgrading to kernel versions 3.12.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper bounds checking implementation in the kvm_vm_ioctl_create_vcpu function. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting access to KVM ioctl interfaces, monitoring for suspicious ioctl calls, and ensuring proper user privilege controls on virtualization capabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be classified under T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain higher-level access. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and implement comprehensive patch management procedures to prevent exploitation attempts.