CVE-2013-2898 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/hid/hid-sensor-hub.c in the Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.11, when CONFIG_HID_SENSOR_HUB is enabled, allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory via a crafted device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2898 resides within the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem, specifically in the hid-sensor-hub.c driver component. This flaw affects Linux kernel versions through 3.11 and becomes exploitable when the CONFIG_HID_SENSOR_HUB configuration option is enabled during kernel compilation. The vulnerability represents a classic information disclosure issue that allows attackers to extract sensitive data from kernel memory spaces, potentially compromising system security and integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling within the HID sensor hub driver. When a crafted device connects to a system with the vulnerable kernel configuration, the driver fails to properly sanitize device input data before processing it. This insufficient validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the device communication protocols in ways that trigger memory read operations beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's memory management mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to kernel address space where sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or system configuration details may be stored.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2898 is significant for systems running vulnerable Linux kernels, particularly those in environments where physical proximity attacks are possible. Attackers with physical access to target systems can exploit this vulnerability by connecting malicious HID devices that trigger the memory disclosure behavior. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) categories, though it primarily represents a privilege escalation vector through information gathering. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks, including credential harvesting and system compromise. According to CWE-200, this vulnerability directly maps to information exposure through improper access control mechanisms.
Systems most at risk include embedded devices, servers, and workstations running Linux kernel versions 3.11 or earlier with HID sensor hub support enabled. The attack surface is particularly broad given that HID devices are commonly used in laptops, desktop computers, and various IoT devices. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their security posture assessments, especially in environments where physical security controls are insufficient. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal privileges for execution, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers can leverage physical access to gain unauthorized system information. Mitigation strategies should focus on kernel updates to versions that address the vulnerability, disabling unnecessary HID sensor hub functionality through kernel configuration changes, and implementing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized device connections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in kernel-level drivers, aligning with security principles outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and various cybersecurity frameworks.