CVE-2014-3185 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the command_port_read_callback function in drivers/usb/serial/whiteheat.c in the Whiteheat USB Serial Driver in the Linux kernel before 3.16.2 allow physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and system crash) via a crafted device that provides a large amount of (1) EHCI or (2) XHCI data associated with a bulk response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3185 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's Whiteheat USB serial driver implementation. This vulnerability exists in the command_port_read_callback function located in drivers/usb/serial/whiteheat.c and affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.16.2. The flaw manifests when the driver processes data from USB devices that utilize either EHCI (Enhanced Host Controller Interface) or XHCI (eXtensible Host Controller Interface) protocols, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted device data can trigger memory corruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the USB serial driver's callback function. When a USB device connected through EHCI or XHCI interfaces sends bulk response data that exceeds the allocated buffer size, the driver fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. This fundamental flaw allows attackers with physical proximity to a target system to craft malicious USB devices that deliberately exceed buffer limits during data transmission, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3185 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can achieve arbitrary code execution privileges within the kernel context, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The requirement for physical proximity to the target system limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the severity of the threat, particularly in environments where USB ports are accessible to unauthorized individuals. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack vector leverages physical access to exploit a kernel-level vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for environments where USB ports are exposed to untrusted users or where physical security controls are inadequate. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions before 3.16.2, making it relevant for organizations that have not updated their kernel components to address this specific flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3185 primarily involve immediate kernel version updates to 3.16.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions in the Whiteheat USB serial driver. System administrators should also implement USB port access controls and physical security measures to reduce the attack surface. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual USB device connections and implementing USB device whitelisting policies where appropriate. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel drivers and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of USB device drivers that handle untrusted input data from external hardware components.