CVE-2017-17558 in Fujitsu M10-1
Summary
by MITRE
The usb_destroy_configuration function in drivers/usb/core/config.c in the USB core subsystem in the Linux kernel through 4.14.5 does not consider the maximum number of configurations and interfaces before attempting to release resources, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted USB device.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17558 resides within the Linux kernel's USB core subsystem, specifically in the usb_destroy_configuration function located in drivers/usb/core/config.c. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects Linux kernel versions through 4.14.5, where the kernel fails to properly validate resource limits during USB device configuration destruction. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel attempts to release resources associated with USB device configurations without first checking whether the device has exceeded the maximum allowed number of configurations and interfaces. This oversight creates a potential for out-of-bounds write access conditions that can be exploited by local attackers with physical access to the system or those capable of connecting malicious USB devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the USB configuration management code. When a USB device is disconnected or its configuration is being destroyed, the usb_destroy_configuration function processes all associated interfaces and configurations without enforcing the standard USB protocol limits. According to CWE-129, this represents an implementation of insufficient bounds checking, where the kernel does not validate that the number of interfaces and configurations falls within acceptable parameters defined by the USB specification. The flaw allows attackers to craft USB devices that contain an excessive number of configurations or interfaces, triggering a buffer overflow condition when the kernel attempts to free memory resources. This condition can result in memory corruption that may lead to system crashes, denial of service, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context and memory layout.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17558 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the out-of-bounds write access can potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as local users with access to USB ports can exploit this weakness to compromise system integrity. The attack vector requires local access to the system, typically through physical presence or the ability to connect malicious USB devices, making it particularly concerning in environments where untrusted USB devices might be connected. The vulnerability affects the core USB subsystem, meaning that any application or service that interacts with USB devices could potentially be impacted, creating widespread potential for system instability and service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate kernel updates and operational security measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Linux kernel versions 4.14.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking implementation. Organizations should also implement USB device whitelisting policies, restrict USB port access, and disable unnecessary USB device drivers to reduce the attack surface. System administrators should consider implementing USB device monitoring solutions and regular security audits to detect anomalous USB device behavior. According to NIST SP 800-53 security controls, organizations should maintain current system patches and implement configuration management practices to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in the patched kernel versions ensures that the usb_destroy_configuration function properly validates the maximum number of configurations and interfaces before attempting resource release, preventing the out-of-bounds memory access that previously occurred.