CVE-2017-16526 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
drivers/uwb/uwbd.c in the Linux kernel before 4.13.6 allows local users to cause a denial of service (general protection fault and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted system calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16526 resides within the Linux kernel's UWB (Ultra Wideband) subsystem, specifically in the drivers/uwb/uwbd.c file. This represents a critical security flaw that affects Linux kernel versions prior to 4.13.6, exposing systems to potential denial of service conditions and unspecified security implications. The vulnerability manifests through crafted system calls that exploit improper input validation within the UWB driver implementation, creating a pathway for local attackers to disrupt system operations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation of system call parameters within the UWB driver's kernel space implementation. When legitimate system calls are crafted with maliciously constructed parameters, the driver fails to properly validate these inputs before processing them, leading to memory corruption conditions. This memory corruption typically results in general protection faults that cause the kernel to panic and ultimately crash the entire system. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation vector means that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit it, though the impact remains severe due to the potential for complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the unspecified other impacts could potentially include privilege escalation or information disclosure. Systems running affected kernel versions are particularly vulnerable in environments where local access is possible, such as shared hosting environments, development systems, or any scenario where untrusted users might execute code on the target system. The UWB subsystem is commonly found in devices supporting wireless communication technologies, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for embedded systems and IoT devices that rely on UWB functionality.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.' The vulnerability demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can be exploited to achieve system compromise, emphasizing the critical importance of kernel security hardening and patch management. Organizations should prioritize updating to kernel versions 4.13.6 or later, implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive kernel security testing and input validation practices, particularly for subsystems handling external device communications and system calls that operate at the most privileged kernel level.