CVE-2014-3183 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the logi_dj_ll_raw_request function in drivers/hid/hid-logitech-dj.c in the Linux kernel before 3.16.2 allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted device that specifies a large report size for an LED report.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3183 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Linux kernel's HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem, specifically in the logitech_dj_ll_raw_request function located in drivers/hid/hid-logitech-dj.c. This flaw exists in kernel versions prior to 3.16.2 and demonstrates a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through physical proximity attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the foundational HID driver layer that handles communication with Logitech wireless devices, including keyboards, mice, and other peripherals that utilize the Unifying receiver protocol.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the logi_dj_ll_raw_request function where the kernel fails to properly validate the report size parameter provided by a maliciously crafted HID device. When a specially constructed device connects via the Logitech Unifying protocol and specifies an excessive report size for an LED report, the kernel allocates memory on the heap without proper bounds checking. This heap allocation occurs in the context of processing HID reports, where the kernel assumes the report size parameter is trustworthy and directly uses it to determine memory allocation size. The flaw is categorized under CWE-122 as "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" and represents a failure in input sanitization and memory management within kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable arbitrary code execution, making it a severe security risk for systems running affected kernel versions. An attacker positioned within physical proximity to a target system can exploit this vulnerability by connecting a malicious Logitech device that sends a crafted LED report with an oversized report size. The system crash occurs when the kernel attempts to write beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries, potentially causing kernel memory corruption that leads to system instability or complete crash. In some scenarios, if proper memory layout and exploitation conditions are met, the buffer overflow could be leveraged for privilege escalation, allowing an attacker to execute code with kernel privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1547.001 which covers "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder" but more specifically applies to kernel-level privilege escalation through memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3183 primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 3.16.2 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should prioritize kernel updates across all affected systems, particularly those in environments where physical proximity attacks are possible or where sensitive data is processed. Additional mitigations include implementing device whitelisting policies that restrict which HID devices can connect to systems, disabling unnecessary HID drivers when not required, and monitoring for unusual HID device behavior. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the missing validation of report size parameters by introducing proper bounds checking before heap allocation, ensuring that the reported size does not exceed predefined safe limits. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level controls and physical security measures to prevent unauthorized device connections, as this vulnerability requires physical proximity for exploitation. Regular security assessments and kernel vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the enterprise infrastructure.