CVE-2014-2678 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The rds_iw_laddr_check function in net/rds/iw.c in the Linux kernel through 3.14 allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a bind system call for an RDS socket on a system that lacks RDS transports.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2678 resides within the Linux kernel's implementation of the Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol subsystem, specifically in the rds_iw_laddr_check function located in net/rds/iw.c. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects Linux kernel versions through 3.14, where the kernel fails to properly validate socket binding operations when RDS transports are not available on the system. The vulnerability manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs during the execution of bind system calls targeting RDS sockets, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the kernel's handling of network socket operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the RDS Internet Wire (IW) transport layer of the Linux kernel networking stack. When a local user attempts to bind an RDS socket on a system that lacks proper RDS transport support, the rds_iw_laddr_check function fails to properly check for null transport pointers before attempting to dereference them. This condition creates a scenario where the kernel's network subsystem crashes with a NULL pointer dereference, leading to immediate system instability and potential denial of service conditions. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that exploitation requires only local user privileges and does not necessitate elevated permissions or network access.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2678 extends beyond simple denial of service, as the vulnerability presents potential for more severe consequences including system crashes and possible privilege escalation pathways. When the kernel crashes due to this NULL pointer dereference, the system experiences an immediate shutdown or reboot, disrupting all running services and potentially causing data loss. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-476 indicates a NULL pointer dereference issue that represents a fundamental flaw in pointer validation, while its operational characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for network denial of service. The flaw affects systems running kernel versions through 3.14, making it particularly relevant for organizations maintaining older kernel versions or those that have not implemented proper security patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2678 primarily focus on kernel version updates and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Linux kernel versions beyond 3.14 where the vulnerability has been patched through proper null pointer validation in the rds_iw_laddr_check function. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all kernel components remain current with security updates. Additional mitigations include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges for socket operations, monitoring network socket binding activities for anomalous behavior, and employing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling RDS functionality entirely if it is not required for their operational environment, as this eliminates the attack surface associated with this vulnerability. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the missing null pointer checks in the RDS IW transport layer, ensuring that proper validation occurs before any dereference operations are attempted.