CVE-2014-2977 in directfb
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer signedness errors in the Dispatch_Write function in proxy/dispatcher/idirectfbsurface_dispatcher.c in DirectFB 1.4.13 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via the Voodoo interface, which triggers a stack-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2977 represents a critical security flaw within the DirectFB graphics library version 1.4.13, specifically within the proxy/dispatcher/idirectfbsurface_dispatcher.c component. This issue manifests through multiple integer signedness errors that occur within the Dispatch_Write function, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited remotely through the Voodoo interface. The Voodoo interface serves as a communication mechanism for DirectFB's distributed graphics system, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be triggered from external sources without requiring local access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during buffer operations within the dispatcher component. When the Dispatch_Write function processes incoming data through the Voodoo interface, the signedness errors cause incorrect calculations that result in stack-based buffer overflows. These buffer overflows occur because the system fails to properly validate the size parameters used for memory allocation, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the way signed and unsigned integers are compared and used in memory boundary calculations, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overflow predetermined buffer limits.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2977 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling remote code execution capabilities. When exploited, the stack-based buffer overflow can cause system crashes that result in denial of service, but more critically, the memory corruption may allow attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability affects systems running DirectFB 1.4.13 that expose the Voodoo interface, which is commonly found in embedded systems, multimedia applications, and graphics-intensive software environments where DirectFB is utilized for hardware acceleration and display management.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and CWE-190, which covers integer overflow conditions. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically the exploitation of remote services through interface manipulation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how improper integer handling in system interfaces can create exploitable conditions, particularly in graphics and display subsystems where complex memory management operations are required. Organizations using DirectFB 1.4.13 should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority risk due to its potential for remote code execution and the widespread use of DirectFB in embedded systems and multimedia applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2977 should focus on immediate patching of DirectFB installations to versions that address the integer signedness errors in the dispatcher component. System administrators should disable or restrict access to the Voodoo interface when it is not required for system operation, as this reduces the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to systems running vulnerable DirectFB versions, particularly those that expose the Voodoo interface. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of memory allocation and buffer operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to DirectFB versions 1.4.14 or later, where the integer signedness errors have been corrected, and implementing proper input validation mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.