CVE-2014-3461 in QEMU
Summary
by MITRE
hw/usb/bus.c in QEMU 1.6.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted savevm data, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, related to "USB post load checks."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3461 resides within the QEMU virtualization platform's USB bus implementation, specifically in the hw/usb/bus.c file version 1.6.2. This critical security flaw represents a heap-based buffer overflow that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability manifests during the savevm data processing phase, particularly when handling USB post load checks, making it a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the virtual machine's state persistence mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted savevm data that triggers an improper bounds check during USB device state restoration. When QEMU attempts to deserialize USB device information from savevm files, the system fails to validate the size of incoming data structures, leading to a buffer overflow condition in heap memory. This heap overflow creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which is a common and dangerous class of memory corruption flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3461 extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over virtual machines running vulnerable QEMU versions. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in cloud computing environments, virtualization platforms, and any scenario where QEMU is used to host multiple virtual machines, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to escape virtual machine isolation boundaries. The attack requires only the ability to provide malicious savevm data to a target system, making it accessible to remote threat actors who can manipulate virtual machine state files or exploit other attack vectors that lead to savevm data injection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability encompass several layers of defense including immediate patching of QEMU installations to versions that address the heap overflow condition, implementing strict validation of savevm data sources, and employing network segmentation to limit access to virtualization management interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous savevm data processing activities and establish secure configuration practices for virtual machine state management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1070 (Indicator Removal on Host), as attackers can leverage the arbitrary code execution capability to establish persistent access and cover their tracks within compromised virtual environments. System administrators should also implement principle of least privilege for virtual machine management operations and regularly audit virtual machine state files for integrity validation to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.