CVE-2013-4150 in QEMU
Summary
by MITRE
The virtio_net_load function in hw/net/virtio-net.c in QEMU 1.5.0 through 1.7.x before 1.7.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via vectors in which the value of curr_queues is greater than max_queues, which triggers an out-of-bounds write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4150 represents a critical buffer management flaw within the QEMU virtualization platform's network subsystem. This issue affects QEMU versions 1.5.0 through 1.7.x prior to version 1.7.2, where the virtio_net_load function in the hw/net/virtio-net.c file contains a dangerous logic error that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of queue parameters during the network device configuration process, creating a scenario where malicious input can manipulate internal data structures beyond their intended boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests when the curr_queues parameter exceeds the predefined max_queues limit, resulting in an out-of-bounds write condition that can be triggered through crafted network packet sequences. This memory corruption vulnerability operates at the hypervisor level, where the virtual network interface driver fails to properly validate queue configuration parameters before processing them. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in software systems. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as remote attackers can leverage this condition to execute malicious code within the host system context. When exploited, the out-of-bounds write can overwrite critical data structures, function pointers, or memory regions that control the virtual machine's network operations. This creates a potential attack surface where an attacker could gain unauthorized access to the host system, effectively breaking the isolation boundaries that virtualization platforms are designed to maintain. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where QEMU serves as a hypervisor for multiple virtual machines, as a successful exploitation could lead to compromise of the entire virtualization infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4150 should prioritize immediate patching of affected QEMU installations to version 1.7.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers, while monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the host environment. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing virtual machine isolation measures and regularly audit their virtualization environments to ensure proper patch management and security configurations are maintained across all deployed QEMU instances.