CVE-2013-6380 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The aac_send_raw_srb function in drivers/scsi/aacraid/commctrl.c in the Linux kernel through 3.12.1 does not properly validate a certain size value, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (invalid pointer dereference) or possibly have unspecified other impact via an FSACTL_SEND_RAW_SRB ioctl call that triggers a crafted SRB command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6380 resides within the Linux kernel's aacraid storage driver component, specifically in the aac_send_raw_srb function located in drivers/scsi/aacraid/commctrl.c. This flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that can be exploited by local attackers to disrupt system operations or potentially achieve more severe consequences. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions through 3.12.1, making it a significant concern for systems running these older kernel versions. The issue manifests when processing FSACTL_SEND_RAW_SRB ioctl calls, which are designed to send raw storage requests to Advanced Access Control (AAC) RAID controllers. The function fails to properly validate a critical size parameter associated with the SRB (SCSI Request Block) command structure, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious local users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted SRB command that is processed via the FSACTL_SEND_RAW_SRB ioctl interface. When the aac_send_raw_srb function receives an invalid or improperly sized SRB command, it fails to validate the size parameter before proceeding with memory operations. This validation failure leads to an invalid pointer dereference condition where the kernel attempts to access memory at an address that has not been properly allocated or validated. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" or CWE-128 as "Wraparound Error" depending on the specific execution path. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper input sanitization, as the kernel does not adequately verify the integrity of the data it processes from user-space applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, though that represents the most immediate threat. Local users with access to the system can trigger invalid pointer dereferences that will cause kernel panics and system crashes, effectively creating a denial of service scenario that can render the entire system unusable. In some configurations or specific execution contexts, this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to escalate privileges or achieve arbitrary code execution, though the primary documented impact remains the invalid pointer dereference leading to system instability. The vulnerability affects systems using Advanced Access Control RAID controllers, which are common in enterprise storage environments, making this issue particularly concerning for organizations maintaining legacy kernel versions. The attack vector requires local system access, which reduces the exposure compared to remote exploits, but still represents a significant security risk in multi-user environments where privilege escalation could occur through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6380 primarily focus on kernel version updates and system hardening measures. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a Linux kernel version that contains the fix for this vulnerability, typically kernel versions 3.12.2 and later where the input validation has been properly implemented. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and privilege separation to minimize the risk of local exploitation, as the vulnerability requires local user access to trigger. The use of security modules such as SELinux or AppArmor can provide additional protection by restricting the capabilities of processes that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual kernel panic patterns or invalid memory access attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1499 which covers 'Endpoint Denial of Service'. Regular security audits of kernel components and maintaining up-to-date system patches remain essential practices for preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in storage subsystems.