Detect Linux Kernel Integer Overflow in create_elf_tables (CVE-2018-14634) in Sumo Logic CSE
CVE-2018-14634 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's create_elf_tables() function, triggered during process execution via the execve syscall. A local unprivileged attacker can exploit this flaw to achieve privilege escalation to root by crafting a binary with an extremely large argument list. This vulnerability exists in Linux kernel versions 2.6.x through 4.14.x and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
MITRE ATT&CK
- Tactic
- Privilege Escalation
Sumo Detection Query
_sourceCategory=linux/audit
| parse "syscall=* " as syscall
| parse "uid=* " as uid
| parse "euid=* " as euid
| parse "comm=\"*\"" as comm
| where syscall = "execve" and uid != "0"
| timeslice 5m
| join
(_sourceCategory=linux/audit
| parse "syscall=* " as syscall2
| parse "uid=* " as uid2
| parse "euid=* " as euid2
| where (syscall2 = "setuid" or syscall2 = "setreuid" or syscall2 = "setresuid") and euid2 = "0"
| timeslice 5m) on _timeslice, uid=uid2
| where uid != "0" and euid2 = "0"
| fields _timeslice, uid, comm, syscall, euid2
| count by uid, commSumo Logic query joining execve audit events from non-root users with subsequent effective-root privilege escalation syscalls within 5-minute windows to detect CVE-2018-14634 exploitation via Linux auditd sources.
Data Sources
Required Tables
False Positives & Tuning
- Authorized setuid binaries invoked by non-root users as part of normal operations
- PAM-based authentication flows that transition privilege levels
- Container runtime privilege handling during image execution
- System monitoring agents that require brief privilege elevation
Other platforms for CVE-2018-14634
Testing Methodology
Validate this detection against 3 adversary techniques from Atomic Red Team. Each test below lists the behaviour to exercise and the telemetry you should expect to see. Executable commands and cleanup steps are available with Pro.
- Test 1Simulate Large Argument execve Invocation
Expected signal: Auditd logs an execve syscall record with an unusually large a1 or args array. Process creation event logged with high argument count.
- Test 2Check for Vulnerable Kernel Version
Expected signal: Process execution of uname and package manager commands logged via auditd or endpoint telemetry.
- Test 3Exploit Binary Drop and Execute Simulation (Lab Only)
Expected signal: File creation in /tmp, chmod syscall, bash script execution, and id command execution all logged via auditd. File write to /tmp from a non-root user.
Unlock Pro Content
Get the full detection package for CVE-2018-14634 including response playbook, investigation guide, and atomic red team tests.