CVE-2014-3182 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in the logi_dj_raw_event function in drivers/hid/hid-logitech-dj.c in the Linux kernel before 3.16.2 allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (invalid kfree) via a crafted device that provides a malformed REPORT_TYPE_NOTIF_DEVICE_UNPAIRED value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3182 represents a critical array index error within the Linux kernel's HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem, specifically in the logitech_dj_raw_event function located in drivers/hid/hid-logitech-dj.c. This flaw affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.16.2 and exposes systems to potential remote code execution or denial of service attacks when legitimate Logitech devices are paired with malicious hardware. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the device notification handling mechanism, where the kernel fails to properly validate the REPORT_TYPE_NOTIF_DEVICE_UNPAIRED value provided by connected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the kernel processes HID reports from Logitech devices in the context of the Logitech Unifying Receiver protocol. The logitech_dj_raw_event function contains a flaw where it assumes that certain notification values from devices will fall within expected bounds, but does not validate that the REPORT_TYPE_NOTIF_DEVICE_UNPAIRED value remains within the allocated array indices. This leads to an out-of-bounds memory access pattern that can result in invalid kfree operations, where the kernel attempts to free memory that was either never allocated or has already been freed, creating a memory corruption condition that can be exploited by attackers.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running affected Linux kernel versions, particularly in environments where physical proximity to target systems is achievable. The attack vector requires an attacker to be physically near the target device, typically within range of the Logitech Unifying Receiver, making this a local privilege escalation or remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited in targeted attacks. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the invalid kfree operation can lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of a buffer over-read condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of malicious HID reports that manipulate the REPORT_TYPE_NOTIF_DEVICE_UNPAIRED value to trigger the out-of-bounds memory access. Attackers can potentially use this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing user-mode protections and gaining complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access to escalate privileges, and T1059, which covers the execution of commands through kernel-level modifications. Organizations running Linux systems with kernel versions prior to 3.16.2 should immediately implement mitigations including kernel updates, device access restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious HID device activity.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-3182 primarily involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 3.16.2 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and array bounds checking. System administrators should also consider implementing device whitelisting policies that restrict which HID devices can connect to systems, particularly in sensitive environments. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary HID device support, implementing kernel module signing requirements, and monitoring for anomalous device connection patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space code and highlights the critical need for thorough security testing of device drivers that handle untrusted input from external hardware components.