CVE-2016-2384 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in the snd_usbmidi_create function in sound/usb/midi.c in the Linux kernel before 4.5 allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (panic) or possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors involving an invalid USB descriptor.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The CVE-2016-2384 vulnerability represents a critical double free error in the Linux kernel's USB MIDI subsystem that fundamentally compromises system stability and potentially enables arbitrary code execution. This flaw exists within the snd_usbmidi_create function located in sound/usb/midi.c, affecting all Linux kernel versions prior to 4.5. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel processes invalid USB descriptors from connected MIDI devices, creating a scenario where memory allocation functions are called twice on the same memory block, leading to unpredictable behavior and system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of USB MIDI device enumeration processes where the kernel fails to properly validate descriptor structures before attempting memory allocation operations. When an attacker presents a malformed USB descriptor to a vulnerable system, the snd_usbmidi_create function executes multiple memory deallocation operations on the same allocated memory region, causing a double free condition that can be exploited to trigger kernel panics or potentially execute arbitrary code within kernel space. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-415 which specifically addresses double free conditions in memory management operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems running vulnerable kernel versions as it can be exploited by physically proximate attackers who simply need to connect a malicious USB MIDI device to the target system. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially allow privilege escalation attacks, as demonstrated by the potential for unspecified other impacts mentioned in the vulnerability description. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and physical proximity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted USB devices might be connected to sensitive systems.
The security implications of CVE-2016-2384 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for kernel-mode rootkits and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with kernel-level access and persistent control over affected systems. Organizations running Linux systems with kernel versions before 4.5 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including kernel updates, USB device filtering, and monitoring for suspicious USB device connections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space and highlights the critical need for robust memory management practices in device driver code to prevent such exploitable conditions that can lead to complete system compromise.