CVE-2017-14051 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow in the qla2x00_sysfs_write_optrom_ctl function in drivers/scsi/qla2xxx/qla_attr.c in the Linux kernel through 4.12.10 allows local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and system crash) by leveraging root access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14051 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's qla2x00 driver subsystem. This issue resides in the qla2x00_sysfs_write_optrom_ctl function located in drivers/scsi/qla2xxx/qla_attr.c, affecting kernel versions through 4.12.10. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of optical ROM control operations for QLogic Fibre Channel host bus adapters, which are commonly used in enterprise storage environments for high-performance data connectivity.
The technical flaw manifests when the function processes user-supplied data without proper validation of integer bounds, leading to an integer overflow condition. This overflow occurs during the manipulation of buffer sizes or memory allocation parameters within the optical ROM update mechanism. When exploited, the vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the integer values in such a way that subsequent memory operations result in corrupted memory layouts. The overflow can cause the kernel to attempt invalid memory accesses or overwrite critical kernel data structures, ultimately leading to system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe despite requiring root access for exploitation. Local privilege escalation to root level provides attackers with the capability to trigger the integer overflow condition through crafted sysfs interface operations. Once triggered, the memory corruption can result in kernel panics, system crashes, and complete denial of service for the affected system. In enterprise environments where storage reliability is paramount, this vulnerability could lead to extended downtime and potential data loss scenarios, particularly in mission-critical applications relying on QLogic Fibre Channel infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which catalogs integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and system instability. The attack vector follows the ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation to gain root access for exploitation. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with T1499, representing a denial of service attack that can compromise system availability. Organizations should note that while the vulnerability requires root privileges for exploitation, it represents a significant risk in environments where privilege escalation attacks are possible, or where root access is compromised through other means.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions that contain the patched implementation of the qla2x00 driver. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual sysfs access patterns related to optical ROM operations and consider restricting unnecessary root access to affected systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their storage infrastructure to identify all systems running vulnerable kernel versions and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations and demonstrates why robust memory safety mechanisms are essential for maintaining system integrity in enterprise storage environments.