CVE-2017-16533 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The usbhid_parse function in drivers/hid/usbhid/hid-core.c in the Linux kernel before 4.13.8 allows local users to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted system calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16533 resides within the Linux kernel's usbhid_parse function located in drivers/hid/usbhid/hid-core.c file. This flaw affects kernel versions prior to 4.13.8 and represents a critical security issue that can be exploited by local attackers to trigger system instability. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the USB HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem, which processes data from USB devices that communicate using the HID protocol such as keyboards, mice, and other peripheral devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the usbhid_parse function fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data from USB HID devices. When a malicious local user crafts specific system calls that mimic malformed USB HID device communications, the function attempts to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This improper memory access pattern can lead to kernel panic conditions and system crashes, effectively creating a denial of service scenario that renders the affected system unusable. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple system crashes as it may potentially allow for more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution context and available privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running affected kernel versions since local users with minimal privileges can exploit it to cause system instability. The attack surface is broad as any system with USB HID device support is potentially vulnerable, including desktop computers, servers, and embedded systems that handle USB input devices. The denial of service impact can be particularly severe in mission-critical environments where system availability is paramount, as attackers can repeatedly trigger crashes to maintain persistent disruption of services. Additionally, the potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that under certain conditions, this vulnerability might be exploitable for privilege escalation or information disclosure, making it a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address this vulnerability, particularly those running kernel versions earlier than 4.13.8. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual system crash patterns and consider restricting local user privileges where possible. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated kernel versions in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure compatibility with existing hardware configurations and software applications.