CVE-2014-0055 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The get_rx_bufs function in drivers/vhost/net.c in the vhost-net subsystem in the Linux kernel package before 2.6.32-431.11.2 on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 6 does not properly handle vhost_get_vq_desc errors, which allows guest OS users to cause a denial of service (host OS crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0055 resides within the vhost-net subsystem of the Linux kernel, specifically in the get_rx_bufs function located in drivers/vhost/net.c. This subsystem facilitates virtualized network I/O operations by enabling efficient data transfer between guest operating systems and the host system through kernel-based virtualization technologies. The flaw manifests when the vhost-get_vq_desc function encounters errors during descriptor handling, creating a condition where the system fails to properly manage error states and continues execution despite critical failures in the virtual queue descriptor processing mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the vhost-net driver's receive buffer management code. When vhost_get_vq_desc returns an error condition, the get_rx_bufs function does not properly validate or respond to these error states, leading to potential null pointer dereferences or invalid memory access patterns. This improper error propagation allows malicious guest OS users to manipulate virtual network queue descriptors in ways that trigger unexpected behavior in the host kernel, ultimately resulting in system instability and potential complete system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited by unprivileged users within guest operating systems to compromise the integrity and availability of the host system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through virtualized network traffic manipulation, potentially causing cascading failures that affect entire virtualized environments. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems running kernel versions prior to 2.6.32-431.11.2, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely heavily on virtualization technologies. This flaw aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception," and represents a failure in proper error handling within kernel space code that can lead to system-wide instability.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting specific network packets or virtual queue descriptor sequences that cause the vhost_get_vq_desc function to return error codes that the get_rx_bufs function fails to properly handle. This creates a path for privilege escalation in the context of virtualization, where guest users can potentially execute code with host kernel privileges or cause system crashes that disrupt service availability. Organizations using virtualized infrastructure should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where guest operating systems may be compromised or where security isolation between guests and host is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0055 include applying the official kernel security patches provided by Red Hat, which address the improper error handling in the vhost-net subsystem. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous virtual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling unnecessary virtualization features and implementing strict access controls for guest operating systems to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in kernel space code and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of virtualization components that interface between guest and host environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for execution through virtualization and container abuse.