CVE-2016-7425 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
The arcmsr_iop_message_xfer function in drivers/scsi/arcmsr/arcmsr_hba.c in the Linux kernel through 4.8.2 does not restrict a certain length field, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow) via an ARCMSR_MESSAGE_WRITE_WQBUFFER control code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7425 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the Linux kernel's arcmsr storage driver, specifically within the arcmsr_iop_message_xfer function located in drivers/scsi/arcmsr/arcmsr_hba.c. This flaw affects Linux kernel versions through 4.8.2 and exposes systems to potential privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of a length field in the ARCMSR_MESSAGE_WRITE_WQBUFFER control code implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied data within the kernel space storage driver. When the arcmsr_iop_message_xfer function processes the ARCMSR_MESSAGE_WRITE_WQBUFFER control code, it fails to adequately validate or restrict the length parameter associated with the data transfer operation. This lack of input sanitization allows an attacker to specify an oversized length value that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries in the heap memory space. The flaw falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, where insufficient bounds checking enables memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially manipulate kernel execution flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems utilizing the arcmsr storage controller drivers, which are commonly found in enterprise storage solutions and server environments. Local attackers with access to the system can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges from standard user level to kernel level, effectively gaining complete control over the affected system. The potential for denial of service also exists, as the buffer overflow can corrupt kernel memory structures and cause system crashes or unstable behavior. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where storage performance and system stability are critical, as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of business operations.
The exploitability of CVE-2016-7425 aligns with ATT&CK tactics focusing on privilege escalation and defense evasion. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to establish persistent access to systems while maintaining stealth through kernel-level operations that are difficult to detect by traditional security monitoring tools. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate system compromise, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to manipulate storage operations, potentially leading to data exfiltration or corruption. Organizations running affected Linux kernel versions should prioritize patching to address this vulnerability, as the kernel-based nature of the flaw makes it particularly challenging to mitigate through network-level controls or application firewalls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7425 primarily involve applying the official kernel patches released by the Linux kernel development team, which correct the insufficient input validation in the arcmsr_iop_message_xfer function. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual storage driver activity and consider restricting local access to systems running affected kernel versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space code and highlights the critical need for thorough security testing of device drivers that operate with elevated privileges. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date inventory of storage controllers and their associated kernel drivers to quickly identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.