CVE-2025-39987: can: hi311x: populate ndo_change_mtu() to prevent buffer overflow
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
can: hi311x: populate ndo_change_mtu() to prevent buffer overflow
Sending an PF_PACKET allows to bypass the CAN framework logic and to
directly reach the xmit() function of a CAN driver. The only check
which is performed by the PF_PACKET framework is to make sure that
skb->len fits the interface's MTU.
Unfortunately, because the sun4i_can driver does not populate its
net_device_ops->ndo_change_mtu(), it is possible for an attacker to
configure an invalid MTU by doing, for example:
$ ip link set can0 mtu 9999
After doing so, the attacker could open a PF_PACKET socket using the
ETH_P_CANXL protocol:
socket(PF_PACKET, SOCK_RAW, htons(ETH_P_CANXL))
to inject a malicious CAN XL frames. For example:
struct canxl_frame frame = {
.flags = 0xff,
.len = 2048,
};
The CAN drivers' xmit() function are calling can_dev_dropped_skb() to
check that the skb is valid, unfortunately under above conditions, the
malicious packet is able to go through can_dev_dropped_skb() checks:
1. the skb->protocol is set to ETH_P_CANXL which is valid (the
function does not check the actual device capabilities).
2. the length is a valid CAN XL length.
And so, hi3110_hard_start_xmit() receives a CAN XL frame which it is
not able to correctly handle and will thus misinterpret it as a CAN
frame. The driver will consume frame->len as-is with no further
checks.
This can result in a buffer overflow later on in hi3110_hw_tx() on
this line:
memcpy(buf + HI3110_FIFO_EXT_DATA_OFF,
frame->data, frame->len);
Here, frame->len corresponds to the flags field of the CAN XL frame.
In our previous example, we set canxl_frame->flags to 0xff. Because
the maximum expected length is 8, a buffer overflow of 247 bytes
occurs!
Populate net_device_ops->ndo_change_mtu() to ensure that the
interface's MTU can not be set to anything bigger than CAN_MTU. By
fixing the root cause, this prevents the buffer overflow.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A local user with limited privileges may be able to trigger a memory buffer overflow in Linux systems using the affected HI311x CAN driver. Successful exploitation could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The issue is most relevant to embedded, automotive, and industrial systems with this CAN hardware and locally accessible accounts or workloads.
Executive priority
Treat as high priority for embedded, automotive, or industrial assets using the affected CAN hardware, especially multi-user or containerized hosts. Patch promptly after operational testing. Systems without the relevant driver or device can be deprioritized once that absence is verified.
Technical view
The HI3110 transmit path can misinterpret a CAN XL packet as a classic CAN frame after an invalid interface MTU bypasses expected CAN checks. An attacker-controlled length is then used during a buffer copy, causing an out-of-bounds write. The kernel fix implements MTU validation through ndo_change_mtu(), preventing values above CAN_MTU.
Likely exposure
Exposure requires an affected Linux kernel, the relevant HI311x/HI3110 CAN driver and device, and local low-privileged access capable of reaching the described packet and interface operations. Internet-only systems are not directly exposed by the stated vector. The supplied affected-version data is ambiguous, so kernel version alone should not determine exposure.
Exploitation context
CVSS 3.1 rates this 7.8 with local access, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. Potential impact is high across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The bundle says it is not in KEV and provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public weaponized exploit.
Researcher notes
The source description inconsistently mentions sun4i_can while the title, vulnerable functions, and fix concern HI311x/HI3110. This appears to be a source-text inconsistency and should be checked against the linked commits. The supplied version list is also insufficiently structured for reliable branch-boundary conclusions; verify exact vendor backports.
Mitigation direction
Upgrade to a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable linked stable fix.
Prioritize systems where the HI311x or HI3110 CAN driver is active and locally accessible.
Until patched, restrict untrusted local access and privileges for CAN interface administration and raw packet access.
Follow distribution or device-vendor guidance when mapping fixes to backported kernel packages.
Validation and detection
Inventory kernel builds and identify systems where the HI311x or HI3110 CAN driver is loaded or attached.
Compare vendor changelogs or kernel source with the linked stable fixes; do not rely solely on version strings.
In authorized non-production testing, confirm the CAN interface rejects MTU values exceeding CAN_MTU.
After upgrading, verify normal CAN transmission and confirm the applicable fix remains present.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source links
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
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