CVE-2017-7261 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The vmw_surface_define_ioctl function in drivers/gpu/drm/vmwgfx/vmwgfx_surface.c in the Linux kernel through 4.10.5 does not check for a zero value of certain levels data, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (ZERO_SIZE_PTR dereference, and GPF and possibly panic) via a crafted ioctl call for a /dev/dri/renderD* device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7261 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's VMware graphics driver implementation that affects versions through 4.10.5. This issue resides within the vmw_surface_define_ioctl function located in drivers/gpu/drm/vmwgfx/vmwgfx_surface.c, where the kernel fails to validate input parameters before processing them. The specific weakness occurs when the function does not properly check for zero values in certain levels data parameters, creating a scenario where malicious local users can exploit this oversight to trigger system instability.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a local attacker submitting a crafted ioctl call to the /dev/dri/renderD* device interface, which is part of the Direct Rendering Infrastructure framework used for graphics processing in Linux systems. When the vmw_surface_define_ioctl function processes this malformed input without proper validation, it attempts to dereference a pointer with zero size, leading to a ZERO_SIZE_PTR kernel panic condition. This particular error condition is classified as a kernel memory management issue where the system attempts to access memory locations with invalid size parameters, ultimately resulting in system-wide denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7261 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can potentially cause system crashes and kernel panics that may require manual rebooting of affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the VMware graphics driver subsystem within the Linux kernel's DRM (Direct Rendering Manager) framework, which manages graphics hardware resources and provides interfaces for graphics applications to access GPU capabilities. When exploited, this flaw can cause the entire graphics subsystem to become unavailable, affecting graphical user interfaces, video playback, and any applications relying on GPU acceleration. The potential for system instability increases significantly in environments where graphics-intensive applications are common, such as desktop environments, virtualization platforms, or multimedia workstations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in kernel space code. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique within the context of local exploitation, where attackers leverage kernel-level flaws to gain unauthorized system control. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices in kernel space where input validation should be implemented as a fundamental security control. Organizations running Linux systems with VMware graphics hardware should prioritize patching this vulnerability through kernel updates, as the zero value check can be easily implemented as a defensive measure. The remediation involves ensuring proper parameter validation before memory operations are performed, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and input sanitization practices recommended by security frameworks such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks for kernel security hardening.