CVE-2013-7269 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The nr_recvmsg function in net/netrom/af_netrom.c in the Linux kernel before 3.12.4 updates a certain length value without ensuring that an associated data structure has been initialized, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory via a (1) recvfrom, (2) recvmmsg, or (3) recvmsg system call.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7269 resides within the Linux kernel's NetROM protocol implementation, specifically in the nr_recvmsg function located in net/netrom/af_netrom.c. This flaw represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can lead to information disclosure, making it particularly dangerous for local attackers who can leverage it to extract sensitive kernel memory contents. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.12.4, indicating a significant window of exposure for systems running affected versions.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the nr_recvmsg function failing to properly initialize a length value before updating it during network message processing. When local users execute recvfrom, recvmmsg, or recvmsg system calls against NetROM sockets, the function processes incoming data without ensuring that the associated data structures have been properly initialized. This initialization gap creates a scenario where uninitialized memory values are inadvertently copied into user-space buffers, effectively leaking kernel memory contents to unprivileged processes. The vulnerability manifests as a information disclosure issue that can expose sensitive data including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential information stored in kernel memory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system security as it allows local privilege escalation through information disclosure. Attackers with local access can exploit this flaw to gather sensitive kernel memory contents that may contain passwords, encryption keys, or other confidential data. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability requires no special privileges beyond local user access, making it accessible to any user on the system. The attack vector is straightforward and can be executed through standard socket system calls, making detection and mitigation more challenging. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which specifically addresses the risks associated with uninitialized memory access patterns in kernel code.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2013-7269 involves applying the appropriate kernel security patches released by the Linux kernel development team. System administrators should immediately upgrade to Linux kernel version 3.12.4 or later to resolve this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing kernel lockdown mechanisms and restricting local user privileges where possible. Monitoring for unusual network activity or system calls involving NetROM sockets can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1552: Unsecured Credentials, as it enables attackers to obtain sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability also relates to T1005: Data from Local System, indicating that it allows adversaries to extract data from the compromised system. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities and ensure that all systems are regularly patched and updated. The root cause of this issue highlights the importance of proper memory initialization in kernel space, emphasizing the need for rigorous code review processes and security testing for kernel modules to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.