CVE-2015-0199 in DB2
Summary
by MITRE
The mmfslinux kernel module in IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) 3.4 before 3.4.0.32, 3.5 before 3.5.0.24, and 4.1 before 4.1.0.7 allows local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified character-device ioctl calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0199 affects the mmfslinux kernel module within IBM General Parallel File System versions prior to specific patch levels. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to manipulate kernel memory through improper handling of character-device ioctl operations. The vulnerability exists in GPFS versions 3.4 before 3.4.0.32, 3.5 before 3.5.0.24, and 4.1 before 4.1.0.7, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release branches of the parallel file system implementation. The flaw manifests when the kernel module processes ioctl calls without proper validation of input parameters, creating opportunities for memory corruption that can lead to system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the mmfslinux kernel module's ioctl handling mechanism. When local users submit malicious ioctl commands through character device interfaces, the kernel module fails to properly sanitize or verify the parameters supplied in these operations. This absence of proper validation creates a condition where arbitrary memory locations can be accessed or modified, leading to memory corruption that may result in kernel panics or system crashes. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory management subsystem, where the module's failure to validate ioctl parameters allows attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures directly. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as memory corruption within kernel space can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can cause system-wide instability, leading to complete system crashes or forced reboots that disrupt file system operations and data availability. The parallel nature of GPFS makes this particularly concerning as it can affect large-scale distributed computing environments where multiple nodes share the same file system. Systems utilizing affected GPFS versions may experience intermittent failures, data access interruptions, or complete service outages that can have significant business impact. The vulnerability's local nature means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it, making it a critical concern for systems where privilege escalation is possible or where multiple users share the same host environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0199 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GPFS installations to the recommended versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of system stability and file system operations to detect potential exploitation attempts or system crashes that may indicate successful exploitation. Access controls and privilege management should be reviewed to limit local user access to systems running affected GPFS versions, while also implementing proper auditing of ioctl operations and kernel module usage. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that defensive measures should include kernel module hardening techniques and proper input validation mechanisms that prevent improper ioctl parameter handling. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual ioctl activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running outdated GPFS versions and ensure proper remediation is applied across all affected environments.