CVE-2013-7470 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
cipso_v4_validate in include/net/cipso_ipv4.h in the Linux kernel before 3.11.7, when CONFIG_NETLABEL is disabled, allows attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop and crash), as demonstrated by icmpsic, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0310.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7470 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Linux kernel's Common IP Security Option (CIPSO) implementation. This issue specifically affects versions prior to kernel 3.11.7 and resides in the cipso_v4_validate function located in include/net/cipso_ipv4.h. The vulnerability manifests when the CONFIG_NETLABEL configuration option is disabled, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the system's handling of CIPSO protocol validation. The flaw demonstrates a particularly dangerous characteristic where an attacker can trigger an infinite loop that ultimately leads to system crash, effectively rendering the affected system unavailable to legitimate users. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, making it especially concerning for network infrastructure components and systems that rely on stable network processing capabilities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation logic within the CIPSO IPv4 validation function. When CONFIG_NETLABEL is disabled, the kernel's handling of CIPSO protocol options becomes inconsistent, creating a path where malformed or specially crafted CIPSO options can cause the validation routine to enter an infinite loop. The cipso_v4_validate function fails to properly check for certain boundary conditions or malformed data structures that would normally be caught when the feature is enabled. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-697, which classifies it as a "Faulty Comparison" or "Incorrect Logic" weakness, where the validation logic does not correctly handle all possible input states. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through network traffic, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where systems process incoming packets from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7470 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructure systems. When exploited, the infinite loop causes the kernel to consume excessive CPU resources, leading to system unresponsiveness and eventual crash. This denial of service scenario affects systems that process ICMP traffic or other network protocols that may contain CIPSO options, making it particularly dangerous for routers, firewalls, and network security appliances. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2013-0310 demonstrates that while both issues involve CIPSO processing, they represent distinct attack vectors that can be leveraged independently to cause system instability. Network administrators must consider that this vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication, potentially allowing for large-scale disruption of network services and availability of critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7470 primarily focus on kernel version upgrades to 3.11.7 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the validation logic flaw. System administrators should also consider disabling the CONFIG_NETLABEL option if the functionality is not required, as this prevents the vulnerable code path from being executed. Network segmentation and packet filtering rules can provide additional protection by limiting exposure to potentially malicious CIPSO options in network traffic. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks, and T1562.001, which covers disabling services or defenses. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect unusual CPU utilization patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and maintain updated security patches across all network infrastructure components to prevent potential exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.