CVE-2013-2899 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/hid/hid-picolcd_core.c in the Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem in the Linux kernel through 3.11, when CONFIG_HID_PICOLCD is enabled, allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and OOPS) via a crafted device.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2899 resides within the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device subsystem, specifically in the hid-picolcd_core.c driver module. This flaw affects Linux kernel versions through 3.11 and represents a significant security concern due to its potential to cause system instability and denial of service conditions. The vulnerability manifests when the CONFIG_HID_PICOLCD kernel configuration option is enabled, which activates support for PICOLCD devices. These are typically small display devices that communicate through the HID protocol, commonly used in various embedded systems and peripheral devices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires physical proximity to the target system, classifying it as a local privilege escalation vector with limited attack surface but significant operational impact.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a NULL pointer dereference condition within the hid-picolcd_core.c driver code. When a maliciously crafted HID device connects to a system with the vulnerable kernel configuration, the driver fails to properly validate device initialization parameters before attempting to access memory locations. This improper validation leads to a NULL pointer dereference, which triggers a kernel oops condition and subsequently causes the system to crash or become unresponsive. The underlying flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices within the kernel's HID subsystem, creating a path for attackers to disrupt normal system operations without requiring elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2899 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can effectively render affected systems unusable until rebooted. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could compromise critical infrastructure devices that rely on Linux kernels with PICOLCD support, particularly in embedded systems, industrial control systems, or IoT devices. The physical proximity requirement limits the scope of exploitation but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers with access to physical systems can exploit this vulnerability to disrupt operations. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in kernel space code. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in environments where system availability is critical, as it can be exploited to cause service disruption without requiring network access or complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2899 primarily involve kernel version updates and configuration modifications. The most effective approach is upgrading to a Linux kernel version that contains the fix, typically kernel 3.12 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and NULL pointer checks. Organizations should also consider disabling the CONFIG_HID_PICOLCD option if PICOLCD device support is not required, effectively preventing the vulnerable code path from being executed. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls to limit physical access to systems running vulnerable kernel versions, as the attack vector requires physical proximity. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, with the attack requiring physical access but potentially enabling further exploitation if the system is part of a larger network infrastructure. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be implemented to detect unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.