CVE-2017-16644 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The hdpvr_probe function in drivers/media/usb/hdpvr/hdpvr-core.c in the Linux kernel through 4.13.11 allows local users to cause a denial of service (improper error handling and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted USB device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16644 resides within the Linux kernel's handling of USB device enumeration, specifically in the hdpvr_probe function located in drivers/media/usb/hdpvr/hdpvr-core.c. This flaw affects kernel versions through 4.13.11 and represents a critical security issue that demonstrates poor error handling practices during device initialization. The vulnerability occurs when the kernel processes a crafted USB device that mimics an HD-PVR (High Definition Personal Video Recorder) device, which is a hardware device used for capturing high-definition video content. The improper error handling in this context creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the kernel's behavior through malicious USB device interactions.
The technical flaw manifests when the hdpvr_probe function fails to properly validate and sanitize input data from USB device descriptors during the device connection process. This function is responsible for identifying and initializing HD-PVR devices, but it lacks adequate checks to verify the legitimacy of device parameters. When a maliciously crafted USB device connects to a system running an affected kernel version, the function processes the malformed device information without proper bounds checking or validation. This leads to memory corruption or unexpected execution paths that can result in kernel panics or system crashes, effectively creating a denial of service condition. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple DoS as it may potentially allow for privilege escalation or other unspecified security implications, depending on the execution context and system configuration.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16644 is significant for any system running an affected kernel version that has USB device connectivity enabled. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply connecting a maliciously crafted USB device to a target system, requiring no specialized equipment or advanced technical knowledge beyond basic USB device creation capabilities. This makes the attack vector extremely accessible and potentially dangerous in environments where USB ports are frequently used and system administrators cannot easily control device access. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize USB devices for video capture or media processing, making it particularly concerning for broadcast environments, security monitoring systems, and any infrastructure that relies on HD-PVR device compatibility. Organizations with multiple endpoints running vulnerable kernel versions face substantial risk, as a single compromised USB device can bring down entire systems or networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates to versions that contain the patched hdpvr_probe function with proper error handling and input validation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing USB device whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to critical infrastructure. The fix addresses the underlying CWE-248 issue related to improper exception handling in the kernel's USB subsystem, which is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing USB device access controls through kernel modules, device manager policies, or hardware-level USB port restrictions to provide additional defense in depth. Regular security assessments and kernel version monitoring are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting system security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and error handling in kernel space operations, as outlined in the CWE-707 category for improper neutralization of special elements used in a command.