CVE-2018-10689 in blktrace
Summary
by MITRE
blktrace (aka Block IO Tracing) 1.2.0, as used with the Linux kernel and Android, has a buffer overflow in the dev_map_read function in btt/devmap.c because the device and devno arrays are too small, as demonstrated by an invalid free when using the btt program with a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10689 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within blktrace version 1.2.0, a component widely utilized for block I/O tracing in Linux kernel environments and Android systems. This issue manifests specifically within the dev_map_read function located in the btt/devmap.c file, where insufficient array sizing creates exploitable conditions that can lead to system instability and potential security breaches. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects core system tracing utilities that are integral to system monitoring and debugging operations across multiple platforms.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate buffer management within the device mapping functionality of blktrace. The device and devno arrays within the dev_map_read function are explicitly sized too small to accommodate the full range of possible input data, creating conditions where maliciously crafted input can overflow these predetermined buffers. This buffer overflow translates into an invalid free operation when the btt program processes specially constructed files, fundamentally compromising the memory management integrity of the affected system. The flaw operates at the intersection of improper input validation and insufficient buffer boundary checking, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation through crafted input files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions within systems that utilize blktrace for I/O monitoring. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing malicious input files that trigger the buffer overflow during the btt program execution, leading to unpredictable system behavior and potential privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability affects systems where blktrace is deployed for kernel-level I/O tracing, which includes enterprise servers, mobile devices running Android, and embedded systems that rely on this tracing infrastructure for debugging and performance monitoring purposes.
Security mitigations for CVE-2018-10689 should focus on immediate patch application to update blktrace to versions that properly size the device and devno arrays, ensuring adequate buffer capacity to handle expected input ranges. System administrators should implement strict input validation procedures for any files processed through blktrace utilities and consider restricting access to these tracing tools to privileged users only. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns in I/O tracing operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant concern for ATT&CK technique T1059, command and scripting interpreter, as it could enable attackers to manipulate system tracing utilities for malicious purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and regular security assessments to identify similar buffer overflow patterns in other system utilities that may be susceptible to similar exploitation vectors.