External risk intelligence

Linux Kernel Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2013-2596

An integer overflow in the Linux kernel's graphics driver allows local users to gain elevated privileges and access all kernel memory. This impacts system integrity and confidentiality, posing a risk of unauthorized data access and control. The exploitation requires local access to the affected system.

1Halo Surface Signal

Integer Overflow

Linux Kernel

2.6.12 to before 3.0.753.1 to before 3.2.453.3 to before 3.4.423.5 to before 3.8.94.1.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2013-2596

The vulnerability exists in a local kernel driver interface (/dev/graphics/fb0) and requires local access to the system to exploit. It is not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Linux kernel's graphics memory mapping function contains a flaw that can allow unauthorized access to sensitive information. This vulnerability can enable local users to gain elevated privileges by mapping protected kernel memory. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to and modification of critical system data, potentially leading to system compromise.

  • Vulnerable Linux kernel graphics driver
  • Integer overflow flaw
  • Unauthorized system access and privilege escalation

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's graphics driver to gain elevated privileges. This allows for control over kernel memory, impacting system integrity and confidentiality. The exploitation requires local access to the affected system.

  • Local access to the system.
  • Crafted system calls trigger memory mapping.
  • Gain full kernel memory control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges on affected systems. An attacker with local access can exploit this by creating a read-write memory mapping for kernel memory. This could lead to unauthorized access and control of sensitive data.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Local access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow local users to gain elevated privileges by exploiting an integer overflow in the Linux kernel's memory mapping function. Organizations should take immediate steps to identify and mitigate this risk to prevent unauthorized access and control of their systems.

  • Find affected Linux kernel assets.
  • Reduce exposure via access controls.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function affected by the CVE-2013-2596 vulnerability in the Linux kernel?

The vulnerability is an integer overflow in the fb_mmap function within the drivers/video/fbmem.c file of the Linux kernel. This function is responsible for memory mapping operations related to graphics framebuffers.

How does the integer overflow in fb_mmap enable privilege escalation?

The integer overflow allows a local user to create a read-write memory mapping for the entirety of kernel memory. This bypasses standard memory protections and effectively grants the local user elevated privileges on the system.

What is required for an attacker to exploit this Linux kernel vulnerability?

Exploitation requires local access to the affected system. The vulnerability is triggered via crafted /dev/graphics/fb0 mmap2 system calls, indicating that an attacker must already have some level of access to the machine.

What is the relevance of CVE-2013-2596, and is it listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog?

CVE-2013-2596 is relevant because it allows local privilege escalation by mapping kernel memory. This vulnerability is listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, having been added on September 15, 2022.

What actions should organizations take to address the Linux kernel vulnerability CVE-2013-2596?

Organizations should identify all affected Linux kernel assets, apply vendor-provided fixes or updates for the Linux kernel, and validate that the patches have been successfully implemented. Reducing exposure through robust access controls is also recommended.

References