Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in Linux Kernel (CVE-2013-1929) - A Critical Vulnerability in Broadcom tg3 Driver
Summary
CVE-2013-1929: Heap-based buffer overflow in the tg3_read_vpd function in drivers/net/ethernet/broadcom/tg3.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.6 allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) or possibl... Affects linux versions < 3.8.11-1. Fixed in 3.8.11-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is a core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to software applications. The tg3 driver is specifically designed for Broadcom's Ethernet devices, enabling communication between the operating system and network hardware. This driver is crucial for network connectivity, and vulnerabilities within it can lead to significant security risks, including system crashes and unauthorized code execution.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2013-1929 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability found in the tg3_read_vpd function of the Broadcom tg3 driver within the Linux kernel prior to version 3.8.6. This vulnerability allows physically proximate attackers to exploit crafted firmware that specifies excessively long strings in the Vital Product Data (VPD) data structure. The consequences of this vulnerability can range from denial of service, resulting in system crashes, to the potential execution of arbitrary code, posing severe risks to system integrity and security.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.8.11-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable the tg3 driver if it is not essential for their operations. This can be done by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo modprobe -r tg3
However, this may lead to loss of network connectivity, so it should be approached with caution.
Conclusion
CVE-2013-1929 is a significant vulnerability affecting the tg3 driver in the Linux kernel, with the potential for severe consequences if exploited. Users are strongly advised to upgrade their kernel to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. For those unable to upgrade immediately, temporary workarounds are available, but they come with their own risks.
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FAQ
CVE-2013-1929 is a vulnerability in the tg3 driver of the Linux kernel that can lead to system crashes or arbitrary code execution due to a heap-based buffer overflow.
Physically proximate attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using crafted firmware that targets the tg3 driver.
The impacts include denial of service, which can crash the system, and the possibility of executing arbitrary code, leading to unauthorized access and control.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider disabling the tg3 driver as a temporary workaround, but be aware that this may affect network connectivity.
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