CVE-2013-7281 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The dgram_recvmsg function in net/ieee802154/dgram.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 stack memory via a (1) recvfrom, (2) recvmmsg, or (3) recvmsg system call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7281 resides within the Linux kernel's implementation of the ieee802154 protocol stack, specifically in the dgram_recvmsg function located in net/ieee802154/dgram.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 data from kernel memory space. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.12.4, indicating a significant window of exposure for systems running older kernel versions.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a critical programming error where the dgram_recvmsg function updates a length value without first ensuring that the associated data structure has been properly initialized. This uninitialized data structure contains kernel stack memory that may still hold remnants of previous operations, potentially including sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data that was previously stored in those memory locations. The flaw manifests when local users execute recvfrom, recvmmsg, or recvmsg system calls against ieee802154 socket interfaces, allowing them to indirectly access this uninitialized memory through the improper length handling.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for systems that utilize ieee802154 wireless networking protocols, which are commonly found in embedded systems, IoT devices, and wireless sensor networks. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this flaw to gain access to kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive information that could be used for further attacks or system compromise. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the kernel memory might contain authentication credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential information that could be leveraged by an attacker to escalate privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be enforced across all kernel components. From an attack methodology standpoint, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1005, which involves data from local system storage, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can potentially use the leaked information to craft more effective attacks. The fact that this vulnerability affects system calls commonly used for network communication means that exploitation can occur through normal network operations, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7281 primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 3.12.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly initialize the affected data structures before updating length values. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual patterns of recvfrom, recvmmsg, and recvmsg system calls that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where ieee802154 protocols are in use. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and ensure that all network services utilizing ieee802154 protocols are properly secured through proper access controls and network segmentation to limit potential exploitation vectors.