CVE-2014-2673 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The arch_dup_task_struct function in the Transactional Memory (TM) implementation in arch/powerpc/kernel/process.c in the Linux kernel before 3.13.7 on the powerpc platform does not properly interact with the clone and fork system calls, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (Program Check and system crash) via certain instructions that are executed with the processor in the Transactional state.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2673 resides within the Linux kernel's Transactional Memory implementation on PowerPC platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.13.7. This flaw manifests in the arch_dup_task_struct function which handles the duplication of task structures during process cloning operations. The issue stems from improper synchronization between the Transactional Memory subsystem and the standard clone and fork system calls, creating a critical gap in the kernel's process management capabilities. When certain instructions execute while the processor operates in a transactional state, the kernel fails to properly handle the transition, leading to catastrophic system failures.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be traced to a fundamental flaw in how the kernel manages task structure duplication when Transactional Memory is active. During normal operation, when a process attempts to clone or fork itself, the kernel must create a new task structure that mirrors the original while maintaining proper state information. However, the arch_dup_task_struct function does not adequately account for the transactional state of the processor, causing memory corruption and invalid instruction execution patterns. This particular flaw aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper access to memory locations, and represents a classic case of insufficient state management in concurrent system operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the PowerPC architecture's unique transactional memory capabilities, which allow processors to execute instructions in a temporary state that can be rolled back if certain conditions are met.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2673 is severe and directly translates to a denial of service condition that can bring entire systems to their knees. Local attackers who can execute code on the target system can trigger the vulnerability by crafting specific instruction sequences that activate the transactional memory state during process cloning operations. When this occurs, the system experiences a program check exception followed by an immediate system crash, effectively rendering the affected machine unusable until manual reboot occurs. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in production environments where system availability is critical, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to cause service disruption without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service, though it operates at the kernel level rather than the network layer.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2673 primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel versions 3.13.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper synchronization mechanisms between the Transactional Memory subsystem and process management functions. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running PowerPC-based hardware in server or embedded environments where transactional memory features are actively utilized. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious process cloning activities and implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges. The patch addresses the core issue by ensuring that when arch_dup_task_struct is called, it properly handles the transactional state transitions and maintains proper memory integrity during the duplication process. Organizations should also consider disabling transactional memory features on systems where the vulnerability cannot be immediately patched, though this may impact performance on workloads that specifically benefit from TM capabilities.