CVE-2014-4667 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The sctp_association_free function in net/sctp/associola.c in the Linux kernel before 3.15.2 does not properly manage a certain backlog value, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (socket outage) via a crafted SCTP packet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4667 resides within the Linux kernel's Stream Control Transmission Protocol implementation, specifically in the sctp_association_free function located in net/sctp/associola.c. This flaw represents a critical denial of service vulnerability that affects Linux kernel versions prior to 3.15.2, where the kernel fails to properly manage a backlog value during SCTP association cleanup operations. The issue manifests when remote attackers craft specially designed SCTP packets that trigger improper handling of association resources, leading to socket outages and system instability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate resource management within the SCTP protocol stack's association cleanup mechanism. When the sctp_association_free function processes association termination, it fails to correctly handle a specific backlog value that tracks pending operations or queued data within the SCTP association. This improper backlog management creates a condition where the kernel's memory management and resource cleanup routines become corrupted or enter an inconsistent state. The flaw is classified under CWE-129 as an improper limitation of a recognized cross-site scripting prevention mechanism, though in this kernel context it manifests as an improper resource management issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4667 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to complete socket outages that affect network connectivity for applications relying on SCTP. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious SCTP packets that cause the kernel to enter an inconsistent state during association cleanup, potentially resulting in the kernel module crashing or the socket being rendered unusable. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running Linux kernel versions 3.15.1 and earlier, making it a significant concern for network infrastructure components that utilize SCTP for communication, including telecommunications systems, signaling protocols, and network services that depend on reliable SCTP connections.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 3.15.2 or later, where the backlog management issue has been addressed through proper resource cleanup procedures. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual SCTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how improper resource handling in kernel space can lead to system instability. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers who might exploit this vulnerability to disrupt critical network services relying on SCTP protocols.