CVE-2014-9428 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
The batadv_frag_merge_packets function in net/batman-adv/fragmentation.c in the B.A.T.M.A.N. implementation in the Linux kernel through 3.18.1 uses an incorrect length field during a calculation of an amount of memory, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (mesh-node system crash) via fragmented packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9428 resides within the B.A.T.M.A.N. (Better Approach to Mobile Ad-hoc Networking) implementation in the Linux kernel, specifically affecting versions through 3.18.1. This issue manifests in the batadv_frag_merge_packets function located in net/batman-adv/fragmentation.c, which is responsible for handling fragmented packet processing within mesh networks. The B.A.T.M.A.N. protocol operates at the datalink layer and provides routing capabilities for wireless mesh networks, making it critical for various networking environments including enterprise and consumer wireless infrastructure. The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in memory management during packet reassembly operations, where incorrect length field handling during memory allocation calculations creates a condition that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical flaw occurs when the batadv_frag_merge_packets function processes fragmented network packets that are part of the B.A.T.M.A.N. mesh routing system. During the packet reassembly process, the function incorrectly calculates memory allocation requirements by using an erroneous length field in its calculations. This miscalculation results in the kernel attempting to allocate memory with dimensions that do not correspond to the actual packet data being processed. When remote attackers send specially crafted fragmented packets to a mesh node, the kernel's memory management subsystem becomes corrupted due to the improper allocation, leading to unpredictable behavior and ultimately causing a system crash. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level and affects the mesh node's ability to maintain network connectivity and routing functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9428 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can completely compromise the stability of mesh networking infrastructure. Mesh nodes that are vulnerable to this attack become unreliable and may fail to route packets properly, leading to complete network partitioning or degradation of service quality. In enterprise environments where B.A.T.M.A.N. mesh networks are deployed for wireless infrastructure, such an attack could result in significant business disruption and require costly network recovery procedures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the network, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt wireless mesh networks. Additionally, since mesh networks often serve as backbone infrastructure for various services, the cascading effects of a successful attack could impact multiple dependent systems and services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9428 should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions that contain the patched implementation of the batadv_frag_merge_packets function. Organizations should prioritize patching their mesh network infrastructure and ensure that all B.A.T.M.A.N. implementations are updated to kernel versions that address this vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual fragmentation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.002 for network disruption attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how memory corruption issues in kernel-space code can be leveraged for denial of service, making it a critical concern for network administrators responsible for wireless mesh infrastructure security. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such attacks on their broader network infrastructure.