CVE-2013-2897 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple array index errors in drivers/hid/hid-multitouch.c in the Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.11, when CONFIG_HID_MULTITOUCH is enabled, allow physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption, or NULL pointer dereference and OOPS) via a crafted device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2897 represents a critical flaw within the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device subsystem, specifically affecting the hid-multitouch driver component. This vulnerability exists in kernel versions through 3.11 and becomes exploitable when the CONFIG_HID_MULTITOUCH configuration option is enabled during kernel compilation. The flaw manifests as multiple array index errors that occur within the driver's handling of multitouch input devices, creating a significant security risk for systems running affected kernel versions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the hid-multitouch.c driver file, which processes input from multitouch devices such as touchscreens, touchpads, and other HID multitouch peripherals. When a maliciously crafted device attempts to communicate with the system through the HID subsystem, the driver fails to properly validate array indices before accessing memory locations. This validation failure results in heap memory corruption or null pointer dereferences that ultimately cause system instability and denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory management during device interaction, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the system's input handling mechanisms.
Attackers capable of physically proximity to target systems can leverage this vulnerability to cause system crashes or complete denial of service conditions. The exploitation process involves connecting a specially crafted HID device that sends malformed input data to the system, triggering the array index errors within the kernel's multitouch handling code. The resulting system behavior includes heap corruption that can lead to kernel panics or null pointer dereference exceptions, both of which manifest as system OOPS messages and complete system instability. This vulnerability particularly affects systems with multitouch capabilities where the CONFIG_HID_MULTITOUCH option is enabled, making it a significant concern for laptops, tablets, and other devices with touch input functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2897 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise system availability and reliability. Systems utilizing affected kernel versions become vulnerable to attacks that can render devices unusable until system reboot occurs, creating operational disruptions for users and administrators. The vulnerability's exploitation requires physical proximity to the target system, limiting its scope to local attacks but still presenting a substantial risk in environments where unauthorized physical access is possible. Organizations running kernel versions through 3.11 should prioritize patching to address this vulnerability, as the flaw affects core kernel functionality and can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges or network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to kernel versions that contain the appropriate fixes, with patches available in kernel versions 3.12 and later. System administrators should also consider disabling the CONFIG_HID_MULTITOUCH option if multitouch functionality is not required, effectively preventing the vulnerable code path from being executed. Additionally, implementing proper device access controls and monitoring for suspicious HID device connections can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array index bounds, and represents a classic example of how kernel-level memory corruption vulnerabilities can be exploited to cause system instability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a system service denial of service technique, where adversaries leverage kernel vulnerabilities to disrupt system operations and compromise availability. Organizations should maintain comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems are updated with the latest kernel security fixes, particularly focusing on embedded systems and devices that may not receive automatic updates.