CVE-2014-2851 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ping_init_sock function in net/ipv4/ping.c in the Linux kernel through 3.14.1 allows local users to cause a denial of service (use-after-free and system crash) or possibly gain privileges via a crafted application that leverages an improperly managed reference counter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-2851 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Linux kernel's network stack implementation, specifically affecting versions through 3.14.1. This flaw exists in the ping_init_sock function located in the net/ipv4/ping.c file, which handles socket initialization for ping operations. The vulnerability stems from improper management of reference counters during socket creation and destruction processes, creating a scenario where malicious applications can manipulate kernel memory structures through crafted input parameters. The integer overflow occurs when calculating buffer sizes or allocation limits, leading to unexpected behavior in memory management routines that govern how network sockets are initialized and maintained within the kernel space.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental flaw in how the kernel tracks socket references through improper handling of integer arithmetic operations. When a local user executes a specially crafted application, the overflow condition causes the reference counter to wrap around to a value that allows subsequent memory access to reference freed memory locations. This use-after-free condition creates a predictable crash scenario that can be weaponized for denial of service attacks, where the system becomes unstable and unresponsive. However, the vulnerability's potential extends beyond simple denial of service, as the improper reference counting mechanism can be manipulated to potentially escalate privileges by exploiting the kernel's memory management subsystem to gain unauthorized access to privileged operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2851 is significant for any Linux system running affected kernel versions, as local users with minimal privileges can leverage this vulnerability to either crash the system or potentially elevate their privileges to kernel level access. The vulnerability affects systems where ping functionality is enabled and accessible to local users, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is not properly enforced. The use-after-free condition can result in kernel panics, system crashes, and unpredictable behavior that may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
System administrators and security professionals should prioritize patching affected systems immediately, as this vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to kernel versions 3.14.2 or later, where the integer overflow has been corrected through proper bounds checking and reference counter management. Additionally, implementing proper access controls to limit local user capabilities, monitoring for unusual ping activity, and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all kernel components remains essential. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer overflow protection in kernel space, where such flaws can directly compromise system integrity and security posture. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting similar kernel vulnerabilities.