CVE-2017-16911 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The vhci_hcd driver in the Linux Kernel before version 4.14.8 and 4.4.114 allows allows local attackers to disclose kernel memory addresses. Successful exploitation requires that a USB device is attached over IP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vhci_hcd driver vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Linux kernel ecosystem that emerged prior to kernel versions 4.14.8 and 4.4.114. This vulnerability operates through a specific attack vector involving USB device attachment over IP networks, creating a pathway for local attackers to extract sensitive kernel memory addresses. The flaw resides in the virtual host controller interface host channel driver which manages USB communications through network protocols, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of USB over IP implementations in enterprise and industrial environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management within the vhci_hcd driver's handling of USB device connections established over IP networks. When a USB device is connected through IP-based virtualization, the driver fails to properly validate or sanitize memory access operations, allowing malicious local users to craft specific requests that trigger kernel memory leaks. This occurs through improper bounds checking and insufficient input validation mechanisms within the driver's communication handling routines, which are classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds reads and CWE-20 as improper input validation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the driver processes USB control requests from attached devices, creating opportunities for attackers to read kernel memory contents including sensitive data structures, function pointers, and other internal kernel information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked kernel memory addresses can provide attackers with critical insights into kernel memory layout and structure. This information can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation attempts, kernel exploitation, or bypassing security mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization. Attackers can utilize the disclosed addresses to craft more effective exploits by understanding the memory organization and identifying potential targets for further exploitation. The vulnerability's requirement for a USB device attachment over IP creates a specific operational context where the attack surface is limited to systems running virtual USB devices, but this constraint does not diminish its severity given the potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on kernel version updates to 4.14.8 or 4.4.114 and later releases where the memory handling issues have been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running virtual USB implementations or USB over IP services. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict USB device access controls, disabling unnecessary USB over IP functionality, and monitoring for suspicious USB device attachment patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1005 for data from local system, making it a significant concern for security operations centers. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit USB over IP access and establish monitoring procedures for unauthorized USB device connections that could indicate exploitation attempts.