CVE-2023-2194 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/21/2023
An out-of-bounds write vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's SLIMpro I2C device driver. The userspace "data->block[0]" variable was not capped to a number between 0-255 and was used as the size of a memcpy, possibly writing beyond the end of dma_buffer. This flaw could allow a local privileged user to crash the system or potentially achieve code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2194 represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition within the Linux kernel's SLIMpro I2C device driver implementation. This flaw exists in the kernel's handling of data structures where the userspace variable data->block[0] lacks proper bounds checking, creating a scenario where arbitrary values can be passed to memory operations without validation. The SLIMpro I2C driver is responsible for managing communication with system devices using the Serial Low-power Inter-Integrated Circuit protocol, which is commonly employed in modern computing systems for connecting low-bandwidth peripherals. The absence of validation for the block size parameter creates a dangerous condition where memory operations can proceed beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a local privileged user manipulates the data->block[0] variable to contain a value outside the expected range of 0-255. This unvalidated value is then directly used as the size parameter for a memcpy operation, which subsequently writes data beyond the confines of the allocated dma_buffer. The dma_buffer serves as a designated memory region for device communication operations, and when the memcpy function attempts to write beyond its allocated boundaries, it can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can manifest in several ways including system crashes due to memory access violations, or in more severe cases, could potentially enable code execution if the corrupted memory locations contain executable code or control structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2194 extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides a pathway for privilege escalation within kernel space. Since the vulnerability requires a local privileged user context, it represents a significant concern for systems where local access is possible, particularly in multi-user environments or when users have elevated privileges through legitimate means. The potential for system crashes creates denial of service conditions that can affect system availability, while the code execution possibility presents a more severe threat vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges further. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' through kernel exploits. The nature of the flaw makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the kernel is running with elevated privileges, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2194 should focus on implementing proper input validation within the kernel driver code to ensure that the data->block[0] variable is strictly bounded between 0 and 255 before being used in memory operations. The recommended fix involves adding explicit range checking mechanisms that validate the input value against expected parameters and reject any values outside the acceptable range. System administrators should prioritize applying kernel updates that contain the patched driver implementation, as the vulnerability affects systems running affected kernel versions. Additionally, monitoring for unusual patterns in I2C device communication or memory access violations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel lockdown mechanisms or restricting local user privileges where possible to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The fix should be tested thoroughly to ensure it does not introduce regressions in legitimate device communication operations while effectively preventing the out-of-bounds write condition.