The n_tty_write function in the Linux kernel, specifically in the drivers/tty/n_tty.c file up to version 3.14.3, contains a vulnerability that does not properly manage tty driver access in the "LECHO & !OPOST" case. This flaw allows local users to trigger a race condition involving read and write operations with long strings, resulting in potential memory corruption or system crashes.
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 5.5, categorizing it as medium severity. The implications are significant as attackers may leverage this flaw to cause denial-of-service attacks or escalate privileges.
Organizations using affected versions of the Linux kernel should take immediate action. The vulnerability is known to be included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which indicates its active exploitation potential.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized access and system instability. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows local users to exploit the Linux kernel's handling of tty drivers, specifically through the n_tty_write function. This flaw has been classified under CWE-362, indicating a race condition vulnerability. The official CVE description highlights that affected systems can lead to both denial-of-service conditions and privilege escalation scenarios.
As of its last analysis, the vulnerability remains crucial for impacted systems. It has been assigned a CVSS score indicating a high availability impact, which emphasizes the seriousness of the issue.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the improper management of tty driver access. The attack vector is local, requiring low privileges for exploitation. The attack complexity is assessed as low, and no user interaction is required, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is none, but availability is significantly affected, leading to potential system crashes. This represents a critical concern for organizations that rely on the stability of their Linux systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2014-0196 is high. The vulnerability's ability to lead to denial-of-service conditions can disrupt critical services, especially for systems still using affected versions of the Linux kernel. Organizations with sensitive operations should treat this vulnerability with utmost urgency.
Given its inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations are advised to address this vulnerability in their patch cycle immediately. The availability impact is assessed as high, emphasizing the need for prompt remediation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected by this vulnerability: all versions prior to the vendor patch, specifically versions 2.6.31 to 3.14.3. This includes various distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and Red Hat, among others.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches to their Linux kernel to mitigate this vulnerability. Since the impacted product is end-of-life, it is recommended to disconnect any systems still using affected versions. Additional security measures, such as network segmentation and monitoring, should be implemented to mitigate potential exploits.
For further guidance, organizations can refer to resources on penetration testing and configuration hardening.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for anomalies related to tty operations can help in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also watch for unusual system behavior and memory corruption events that may indicate this vulnerability is being targeted.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2014-0196 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems. The patterns of exploitation for this vulnerability highlight the risks associated with race conditions in system-level code. Security teams should take this incident as a strategic learning opportunity and enhance their vulnerability management practices.
For further resources, organizations can explore the following topics: penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and API penetration testing to bolster security defenses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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