CVE-2017-14489 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The iscsi_if_rx function in drivers/scsi/scsi_transport_iscsi.c in the Linux kernel through 4.13.2 allows local users to cause a denial of service (panic) by leveraging incorrect length validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14489 resides within the Linux kernel's iSCSI transport implementation, specifically in the iscsi_if_rx function located in drivers/scsi/scsi_transport_iscsi.c. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects Linux kernel versions through 4.13.2, where local attackers can exploit improper length validation mechanisms to trigger system panics. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during the processing of iSCSI protocol messages, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that results in system-wide denial of service conditions. The affected component operates within the kernel's SCSI transport layer, which handles iSCSI communication protocols used for storage area network connectivity, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments relying on iSCSI storage infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition resulting from incorrect length validation within the iSCSI message processing pipeline. When the iscsi_if_rx function receives incoming iSCSI packets, it fails to properly validate the length parameters of received data structures, allowing malformed or oversized packets to bypass normal input sanitization checks. This validation failure creates a scenario where an attacker can craft specific iSCSI protocol messages containing incorrect length fields that, when processed by the kernel, cause memory corruption and ultimately lead to kernel panic conditions. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation does not require elevated privileges but rather access to the local system where the kernel is running, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14489 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise entire storage infrastructure operations. System administrators face the risk of unexpected kernel panics that can result in complete system shutdowns, requiring manual intervention and system restarts to restore normal operations. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise storage environments where iSCSI is commonly deployed for connecting servers to storage arrays, potentially causing cascading failures in data center operations. The local privilege requirement means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it especially dangerous in shared or multi-tenant environments where privilege separation is not strictly enforced. Organizations relying on iSCSI-based storage solutions face significant operational risks, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring administrative credentials or network-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14489 primarily focus on kernel updates and system hardening measures. The most effective approach involves applying the official kernel patches released by Linux kernel maintainers, which address the length validation issue in the iscsi_if_rx function through proper input sanitization and bounds checking. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions 4.13.3 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper validation of iSCSI message lengths. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit iSCSI traffic exposure, disabling unnecessary iSCSI services on systems where they are not required, and monitoring for unusual kernel panic events that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length fields in input processing, and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network disruption through kernel-level attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed iSCSI traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.