CVE-2013-2094 is a high-severity privilege escalation vulnerability found in the Linux kernel. This vulnerability allows local users to gain unauthorized privileges through a crafted perf_event_open system call. The Linux kernel version before 3.8.9 is affected, and the vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 14, 2013. With a CVSS score of 8.4, this vulnerability could lead to significant security risks for organizations.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and potential system compromise. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, leading to further exploitation of the system. Given its high CVSS score and the availability of exploits, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As reported, this vulnerability has been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating its active exploitation in the wild. Security teams must remain vigilant and ensure that all systems are updated to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2013-2094.
Organizations should assess their environments for any instances of the affected Linux kernel versions and implement corrective actions as soon as possible to prevent exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The perf_swevent_init function in kernel/events/core.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.9 uses an incorrect integer data type. This allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted perf_event_open system call. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-189: Numeric Truncation Error.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.4, indicating high severity. The attack vector is local, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that exploitation is relatively straightforward for an attacker with local access. No user interaction is required, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated as high.
This vulnerability was published on May 14, 2013, and is critical for users of the Linux kernel to address. The affected systems include all versions prior to the patch release.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2013-2094 lies in the improper handling of data types in the Linux kernel's performance event subsystem. Specifically, the perf_swevent_init function fails to check all 64 bits of attribute configuration passed from user space, leading to out-of-bounds access in the perf_swevent_enabled array.
This vulnerability can be exploited locally, meaning that an attacker needs to have access to the system. The attack complexity is low, and no special privileges are required to exploit it, making this vulnerability a significant risk. User interaction is not required to exploit this flaw.
The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it can lead to full system compromise. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems are all at risk, highlighting the importance of immediate remediation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing the affected Linux kernel versions face a considerable risk of privilege escalation. This vulnerability allows local users to potentially gain administrative rights, which can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code, install malware, or conduct further attacks on the network.
The potential blast radius is extensive, as an attacker with elevated privileges could access sensitive data, manipulate system configurations, or disrupt services. Organizations should assess the urgency of patching based on their deployment of the affected Linux kernel versions.
Given the high CVSS score and the active inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations must prioritize remediation efforts. The recommended urgency for patching is immediate to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Linux kernel include all versions prior to 3.8.9. This includes versions from 3.0.0 up to, but not including, 3.8.9. Organizations should ensure they are running the patched version to avoid potential exploitation.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates per vendor instructions as a priority. The recommended actions include upgrading to the latest version of the Linux kernel that has addressed this vulnerability. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, consider implementing workarounds that limit access to the affected functionalities.
Additionally, configuration hardening should be performed, ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive systems. Network controls should also be put in place to monitor and restrict access to the kernel's performance event subsystem.
Monitoring for unusual behavior or unauthorized access attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to validate the effectiveness of their security measures.
For further assistance, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing services to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To effectively detect potential exploitation of CVE-2013-2094, organizations should monitor system logs for indicators of privilege escalation attempts. Look for unusual patterns in user behavior, such as unexpected commands or access to restricted areas of the system.
Behavioral anomalies may also indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, such as sudden spikes in resource usage or abnormal interactions with the kernel. Additionally, network signatures related to perf_event_open calls should be analyzed for any signs of malicious activity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2013-2094 serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous security practices in software development and system administration. The exploitation of this vulnerability highlights the need for continuous monitoring and timely patch management to protect against potential threats.
Security teams should analyze this case to identify patterns of vulnerabilities that may arise from similar coding errors. Organizations must prioritize the adoption of security best practices, such as code reviews and automated testing, to mitigate risks associated with privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
For organizations looking to strengthen their security posture, resources such as the penetration testing methodology guide can provide valuable insights. Engaging in vulnerability management programs can also help organizations effectively manage and prioritize their security efforts.
Lastly, understanding the implications of privilege escalation vulnerabilities is crucial for building resilient systems. For more information, organizations can refer to the privilege escalation cybersecurity resources provided by AppSecure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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