CVE-2014-2672 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the ath_tx_aggr_sleep function in drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath9k/xmit.c in the Linux kernel before 3.13.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a large amount of network traffic that triggers certain list deletions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2672 represents a critical race condition within the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem, specifically affecting the ath9k driver used by Atheros wireless chipsets. This flaw exists in the ath_tx_aggr_sleep function located in drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath9k/xmit.c and impacts kernel versions prior to 3.13.7. The race condition occurs during the processing of network traffic where concurrent operations can lead to inconsistent system states, ultimately resulting in system crashes and denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through the injection of substantial network traffic volumes, making it exploitable in various network environments where wireless communication is prevalent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the wireless transmission logic. When the ath_tx_aggr_sleep function processes aggregated wireless frames, multiple threads or processes can simultaneously attempt to modify shared data structures, particularly list operations that manage transmission queues. The race condition manifests when one thread is in the process of deleting list entries while another thread is attempting to access or modify the same entries, leading to memory corruption and system instability. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-362 category of "Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization," which is a well-documented weakness in concurrent programming where multiple execution threads access shared resources without proper locking mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2672 extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass broader network availability issues that can severely disrupt wireless communication services. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform denial of service attacks against wireless access points, routers, or client devices running vulnerable kernel versions, potentially affecting entire wireless networks within range. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors do not need physical access to target devices, making it particularly dangerous in public wireless networks, enterprise environments, or any scenario where wireless infrastructure is deployed. Systems utilizing Atheros wireless chipsets in high-traffic environments are especially vulnerable, as the race condition is more likely to occur when processing large volumes of aggregated network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on kernel version updates and proper system maintenance protocols. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Linux kernel versions 3.13.7 or later, where the race condition has been addressed through proper synchronization mechanisms. System administrators should implement regular kernel update schedules and maintain comprehensive patch management procedures to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Additional defensive measures include network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing firewall rules to limit wireless traffic volume, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation signatures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, specifically leveraging system-level flaws to compromise availability. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of such attacks and establish incident response procedures that include kernel vulnerability assessment and remediation protocols.