CVE-2014-8709 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The ieee80211_fragment function in net/mac80211/tx.c in the Linux kernel before 3.13.5 does not properly maintain a certain tail pointer, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive cleartext information by reading packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8709 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem. This issue resides in the ieee80211_fragment function located in the net/mac80211/tx.c file, affecting kernel versions prior to 3.13.5. The vulnerability stems from improper maintenance of a tail pointer during packet fragmentation operations, creating a potential avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive cleartext information from network packets. The flaw specifically impacts the 802.11 wireless networking implementation and demonstrates how seemingly minor pointer management errors can lead to significant security implications in kernel space operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory pointers during the packet fragmentation process within the mac80211 subsystem. When the ieee80211_fragment function processes wireless frames for transmission, it fails to correctly update or maintain a critical tail pointer that tracks the end of packet data. This pointer mismanagement allows attackers to manipulate the packet buffer structure in a way that exposes previously processed or unused portions of memory. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where memory corruption can lead to information leakage, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal user-space security boundaries and operates directly within the privileged kernel environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for wireless network environments where the Linux kernel serves as the networking foundation. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to obtain sensitive cleartext information that may include authentication credentials, session data, or other confidential network communications. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked data could potentially enable further attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, or network reconnaissance. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where wireless infrastructure relies heavily on Linux-based systems and where attackers could leverage this information to compromise wireless network security. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can lead to information disclosure in kernel modules.
The exploitation of CVE-2014-8709 typically requires an attacker to be within wireless range of the affected network or to have some form of network access that allows them to craft specific packets designed to trigger the flawed pointer behavior. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the information disclosure tactic, specifically targeting the kernel memory management subsystem. Organizations using Linux-based wireless infrastructure should prioritize patching to kernel versions 3.13.5 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Mitigation strategies include implementing proper kernel update procedures, monitoring wireless network traffic for anomalous patterns, and ensuring that wireless access points and client devices are running patched kernel versions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough code review and testing for memory management issues in kernel space, particularly in networking subsystems where performance and security are both critical requirements.