Heap Buffer Overflow in BusyBox romfs Volume Parsing

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a heap buffer overflow in BusyBox's romfs filesystem volume ID parsing. It occurs when processing crafted filesystem images where an attacker-controlled volume name is parsed using an unbounded strlen. This leads to a memcpy operation that overflows a fixed-size buffer, corrupting adjacent heap memory.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking for BusyBox installations and monitoring for processing of untrusted romfs filesystem images. Inspect BusyBox utilities like blkid or findfs using commands such as 'which blkid' or 'which findfs'. Check for recent filesystem image processing via system logs or audit trails. Note that exploitation requires user interaction to process malicious images.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

A local attacker could exploit this by tricking a user into processing a malicious romfs filesystem image with BusyBox's blkid or findfs utilities. This may result in code execution, allowing the attacker to gain control over the affected system. The impact includes potential loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, violating confidentiality and integrity requirements in GDPR and HIPAA. Exploitation may result in data leaks or system compromise, potentially leading to regulatory penalties or non-compliance.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Avoid processing untrusted filesystem images with BusyBox's blkid or findfs utilities. Replace them with util-linux versions, which are the default on Fedora. Ensure users do not handle suspicious romfs images. Apply vendor patches if available. Monitor for unusual activity related to filesystem processing.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0