CVE-2014-3917

What it actually does

The vulnerability in kernel/auditsc.c allows local users to leak single-bit values from kernel memory or trigger a kernel OOPS (denial of service) by supplying an excessively large syscall number when CONFIG_AUDITSYSCALL is enabled with certain syscall audit rules.

Why it matters to the business

On affected Linux distributions, local attackers can obtain limited sensitive kernel information or disrupt system availability, with minimal urgency given the 2014 disclosure and lack of known exploitation in ransomware or KEV campaigns.

How an attack unfolds

A local attacker configures specific syscall audit rules, then invokes a syscall using a crafted large number to either read single bits of kernel memory or force a kernel crash; no named threat actors have been observed exploiting this in practice.

How to fix it

Upgrade the Linux kernel to a version that resolves the auditsc.c flaw; apply the latest security patches from SUSE, Red Hat, or the upstream kernel project for all affected products.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the running kernel version exceeds 3.14.5 and that audit-enabled systems no longer produce OOPS or permit single-bit leaks when tested with large syscall numbers.

Typical attack path

1. Gain local user access on a vulnerable Linux system
2. Enable or leverage existing CONFIG_AUDITSYSCALL rules targeting syscalls
3. Invoke a syscall with an oversized number to trigger memory leak or OOPS

How to detect it

Review system and kernel logs for audit-related OOPS crashes or unexpected denials of service on systems with syscall auditing enabled.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on all Linux endpoints and servers
• Audit and minimize use of syscall audit rules where possible
• Monitor kernel logs for OOPS entries related to audit