CVE-2016-3134 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
The netfilter subsystem in the Linux kernel through 4.5.2 does not validate certain offset fields, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via an IPT_SO_SET_REPLACE setsockopt call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3134 resides within the netfilter subsystem of the Linux kernel, specifically affecting versions through 4.5.2. This flaw represents a critical security issue that demonstrates poor input validation practices in kernel space code. The netfilter subsystem serves as a fundamental component for packet filtering and manipulation within the Linux kernel, providing the foundation for iptables and other network security mechanisms. When a local attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate offset fields during an IPT_SO_SET_REPLACE setsockopt system call, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for system integrity and availability.
The technical flaw manifests from insufficient validation of offset fields within the netfilter subsystem's handling of socket options. During the IPT_SO_SET_REPLACE operation, the kernel fails to properly validate the offset parameters provided by userspace applications. This validation gap allows attackers to craft malicious input that can manipulate heap memory structures within kernel space. The vulnerability specifically targets the heap memory management routines where netfilter stores and processes packet filtering rules. When these offset fields are improperly validated, they can cause memory corruption that may result in arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges or complete system denial of service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system stability concerns. Local users with minimal privileges can leverage this flaw to either elevate their privileges to root level or trigger heap corruption that leads to system crashes and denial of service conditions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where untrusted local users might attempt exploitation. The heap memory corruption can manifest in various ways including kernel oops, system panics, or silent data corruption that might not immediately appear but could lead to long-term system instability. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local access to the system, making it accessible through various attack vectors including compromised user accounts or shared hosting environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3134 should prioritize immediate kernel updates to versions containing the necessary patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around netfilter-related system calls and socket operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and denial of service methods, specifically targeting the kernel's memory management subsystem. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, kernel lockdown mechanisms, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel space code and underscores the need for rigorous security testing of core operating system components.