CVE-2014-2978 in directfb
Summary
by MITRE
The Dispatch_Write function in proxy/dispatcher/idirectfbsurface_dispatcher.c in DirectFB 1.4.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via the Voodoo interface, which triggers an out-of-bounds write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2978 represents a critical security flaw within the DirectFB graphics library version 1.4.4, specifically within the Dispatch_Write function located in the proxy/dispatcher/idirectfbsurface_dispatcher.c file. This issue manifests through the Voodoo interface, which serves as a remote communication mechanism for DirectFB applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the dispatcher's write operation handling, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through remote network connections.
The technical nature of this vulnerability classifies it as a buffer overflow condition that occurs during out-of-bounds write operations. When remote attackers send specially crafted data through the Voodoo interface to the Dispatch_Write function, the system fails to properly validate the size and boundaries of the incoming data before attempting to write it to memory. This absence of proper bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially causing system crashes or enabling more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level interface within the DirectFB subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect the core graphics rendering capabilities of systems using this library.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the out-of-bounds write mechanism can potentially be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. Systems utilizing DirectFB 1.4.4 that expose the Voodoo interface to remote networks become vulnerable to remote exploitation, which could result in complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning for embedded systems, multimedia applications, and any platform that relies on DirectFB for graphics processing and display functionality. Organizations deploying DirectFB-based solutions in networked environments face significant risk of unauthorized access and system manipulation through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2978 should prioritize immediate patching of the DirectFB library to version 1.4.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the bounds checking issues in the dispatcher component. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the Voodoo interface, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application stack can help prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable dispatcher functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a potential pathway for ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious Voodoo interface traffic patterns and maintain comprehensive network monitoring to detect exploitation attempts.