CVE-2013-2889 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/hid/hid-zpff.c in the Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.11, when CONFIG_HID_ZEROPLUS is enabled, allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based out-of-bounds write) via a crafted device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2889 resides within the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device subsystem, specifically in the hid-zpff.c driver module. This flaw manifests when the kernel configuration option CONFIG_HID_ZEROPLUS is enabled, which supports certain zero plus gaming controllers and input devices. The vulnerability represents a critical heap-based out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited by attackers who have physical proximity to the target system, making it particularly concerning in environments where untrusted physical access is possible.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the HID driver's handling of device reports. When a maliciously crafted device connects to a system with the vulnerable kernel configuration, the driver fails to validate the size of incoming data structures before writing to heap memory locations. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. The attack vector requires physical proximity due to the nature of HID device connections, typically through usb interfaces, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploitation of system vulnerabilities through physical access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as heap corruption can lead to more severe consequences including system crashes, data corruption, or potential privilege escalation depending on the specific memory overwrite patterns. Systems running Linux kernel versions 3.11 and earlier with CONFIG_HID_ZEROPLUS enabled are particularly susceptible, making this vulnerability relevant across a wide range of embedded systems, gaming consoles, and desktop environments that support these specific input devices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise beyond physical access to the target system, making it an attractive vector for targeted attacks in environments where physical security is inadequate. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and disabling unnecessary HID drivers to mitigate this risk, particularly in environments where physical security controls are weak or non-existent.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space drivers and demonstrates how seemingly benign device support features can introduce significant security risks. The flaw underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing for kernel modules and the critical role of maintaining up-to-date system configurations to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Security practitioners should implement monitoring for unusual device connection patterns and ensure that only necessary kernel drivers are enabled to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for robust physical security measures, as the attack requires only proximity to the target system rather than sophisticated network-based exploitation techniques.