CVE-2013-2890 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/hid/hid-sony.c in the Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.11, when CONFIG_HID_SONY 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 • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2890 resides within the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device subsystem, specifically in the Sony HID driver implementation. This flaw affects kernel versions through 3.11 and represents a critical security issue that can be exploited by attackers who have physical proximity to the target system. The vulnerability manifests as a heap-based out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the system processes input from a specially crafted HID device, particularly those manufactured by Sony. The issue is particularly concerning because it can be triggered without requiring any special privileges or network access, making it an attractive target for attackers who can physically access the device.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper bounds checking within the hid-sony.c driver module. When the kernel receives input data from a Sony HID device, the driver fails to validate the size or structure of incoming data packets before writing them to heap memory locations. This lack of input sanitization creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious device input that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented class of memory safety issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The out-of-bounds write operation can potentially corrupt critical data structures or overwrite function pointers, leading to unpredictable system behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2890 extends beyond simple denial of service, as the heap corruption can be leveraged to escalate privileges or cause system crashes that may be difficult to recover from. In environments where physical access to systems is possible, such as public computers, kiosks, or shared workstations, this vulnerability creates a significant risk. Attackers could potentially use this flaw to compromise systems running vulnerable kernel versions, particularly in scenarios where users connect untrusted HID devices such as USB keyboards, mice, or game controllers. The vulnerability affects systems where the CONFIG_HID_SONY kernel configuration option is enabled, which is common in distributions that support Sony hardware or when specific hardware compatibility is required. The attack vector requires only physical proximity to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in environments with poor physical security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate kernel updates to versions that contain the patched HID subsystem code, which typically involves applying security patches that implement proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should disable the CONFIG_HID_SONY option in kernel configurations when Sony hardware is not specifically required, thereby preventing the vulnerable code path from being executed. Additional protective measures include implementing strict device access controls, monitoring for unauthorized HID device connections, and ensuring that systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, and can be categorized under the T1068 technique for local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing hardware-based security measures such as USB device whitelisting and monitoring for anomalous HID device behavior to detect potential exploitation attempts.