CVE-2013-2894 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/hid/hid-lenovo-tpkbd.c in the Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.11, when CONFIG_HID_LENOVO_TPKBD 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 • 05/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2894 resides within the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device subsystem, specifically in the lenovo-tpkbd driver implementation. This flaw affects Linux kernel versions through 3.11 and becomes exploitable when the CONFIG_HID_LENOVO_TPKBD configuration option is enabled. The vulnerability represents a critical heap-based out-of-bounds write condition that can be triggered by physically proximate attackers who present a crafted device to the system. The technical implementation involves improper bounds checking within the driver's handling of input reports from Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard devices, creating a scenario where malicious input data can overwrite adjacent heap memory locations.
The core technical flaw manifests in the driver's insufficient validation of input data received from HID devices, particularly those manufactured by Lenovo for ThinkPad laptops. When a specially crafted device connects to a vulnerable system, the driver processes input reports without adequate boundary checks, leading to memory corruption through heap-based out-of-bounds writes. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds writes, and aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as the denial of service condition can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges through memory corruption exploitation. The vulnerability's physical proximity requirement suggests it operates within the context of device input handling rather than network-based attacks, making it a hardware-level security concern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as heap corruption can lead to system instability, unexpected crashes, and potentially more severe consequences including privilege escalation. Attackers with physical access to a target system can exploit this vulnerability by connecting a maliciously crafted HID device that sends specially formatted input reports to trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions up to 3.11, representing a significant risk to enterprise environments where ThinkPad devices are prevalent, particularly in corporate settings where physical security controls may be insufficient. The memory corruption can result in unpredictable system behavior, including kernel panics, application crashes, and potential data loss, making it a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals managing Linux-based infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2894 involve immediate kernel updates to versions that contain patches addressing the heap-based out-of-bounds write condition, along with disabling the vulnerable driver module through kernel configuration changes. System administrators should consider disabling CONFIG_HID_LENOVO_TPKBD if the functionality is not required, effectively preventing the vulnerable code path from being executed. Additionally, implementing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized device connections, such as cable locks and restricted USB port access, can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also monitor for any potential exploitation attempts through system logs and security information event management systems, as the vulnerability may manifest through unusual system behavior or kernel panic messages. The patch implementation addresses the root cause by introducing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the driver's input processing functions, ensuring that all input data is validated before memory allocation occurs, thereby preventing the out-of-bounds write conditions that previously allowed attackers to corrupt heap memory.