CVE-2013-6282: Linux Kernel Improper Input Validation Vulnerability

CVE-2013-6282 is an improper input validation flaw in the Linux kernel that affects the get_user and put_user API functions on ARM v6k/v7 platforms. Because those functions fail to validate the target address, a local application can read and write kernel memory and potentially escalate privileges. For IT and security teams running Linux on ARM hardware, this matters because a successful local exploit can give an attacker full control of the system, undermining isolation between user space and the kernel.

Public detail is limited to the CISA summary and the CWE-20 classification; exact affected kernel versions, configurations, and exploit mechanics must be confirmed against the vendor advisory for your distribution.

How it works

The weakness is CWE-20: Improper Input Validation. On ARM v6k/v7 platforms the kernel’s get_user and put_user helpers are intended to safely copy data between user space and kernel space. When they omit proper validation of the target address, a process running with ordinary privileges can supply an address that points into kernel memory. The kernel then performs the read or write on the attacker’s behalf. The result is unauthorized access to kernel memory, which can be leveraged for privilege escalation. No further exploit specifics are provided in the available facts; defenders should treat any local untrusted code execution as a potential path to this condition and verify the precise conditions in the vendor advisory.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

The vulnerability is present in the Linux kernel and is specifically called out for ARM v6k/v7 platforms. Typical environments include embedded devices, mobile or IoT platforms, development boards, and any server or appliance that runs a Linux kernel compiled for those ARM architectures.

• Inventory all systems whose kernel architecture is ARM (uname -m or equivalent will show armv6, armv7, or similar).
• Record the exact kernel version and the distribution or vendor package that supplies it; compare those versions against the vendor security advisory for CVE-2013-6282.
• Check whether the running kernel was built with the get_user/put_user paths that lack the address validation; this information is normally stated only in the vendor advisory or changelog.
• Review local privilege-escalation telemetry: unexpected processes obtaining root or CAP_SYS_ADMIN, anomalous reads or writes involving kernel addresses, or crashes in the copy-to/from-user paths. Because the facts do not list specific log signatures, treat any unexplained local privilege gain on ARM Linux hosts as a potential indicator and investigate further.

How to remediate

The required action is to apply updates per vendor instructions. Obtain the kernel package or security update that addresses CVE-2013-6282 from your Linux distribution or device vendor and install it on every affected ARM system. After the update, reboot so the new kernel is running, then verify the installed version matches the fixed release listed in the advisory.

Beyond the patch, harden the environment against the broader class of local privilege-escalation flaws: keep the attack surface small by removing unnecessary setuid binaries and unneeded kernel modules, enforce least privilege for all local accounts and services, and enable kernel hardening options (for example, those that restrict user-space access to kernel memory) that your distribution supports. Confirm any configuration recommendations against the vendor advisory.

If you can't patch immediately

Until the vendor update can be applied, reduce risk with compensating controls:

• Segment ARM Linux hosts so that untrusted users or applications cannot log in or execute code on them.
• Disable or restrict local interactive access (console, SSH for non-admin accounts) wherever operationally feasible.
• Apply virtual patching or host-based intrusion-prevention rules that block known local exploit patterns if your security tools provide signatures for this CVE or for generic ARM kernel memory-access attempts; validate any such rules against the vendor advisory.
• Increase monitoring for privilege-escalation indicators and for processes that attempt to map or access kernel address ranges.
• If the affected get_user/put_user paths can be avoided by disabling a particular feature or module, do so only after confirming the impact with the vendor documentation.

These measures lower the likelihood of successful exploitation but do not eliminate the underlying flaw; schedule the official patch as soon as possible.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited local privilege-escalation vulnerabilities can lead to full system compromise and subsequent data exposure. Known ransomware use of this CVE is not documented, yet any successful escalation still warrants a thorough incident review. Check system and authentication logs for signs of unauthorized root activity, rotate credentials that may have been accessible from the host, and assess whether sensitive data stored on or reachable from the affected systems needs further investigation. You can also run a free exposure scan of your email addresses against known breach data sets to determine whether related accounts appear in public breach collections.