CVE-2004-1304 in File
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ELF header parsing code in file before 4.12 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1304 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the file command version 4.11 and earlier, which is widely used for identifying file types and formats in Unix-like operating systems. This issue arises specifically within the ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) header parsing functionality, where the application fails to properly validate the length of data structures before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. The flaw is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when more data is written to a buffer than it can hold, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The file command's use of the elf_getshdrstrndx function to parse ELF headers creates an exploitable condition where attackers can craft malicious ELF files containing oversized section header strings that exceed the allocated buffer space during parsing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running vulnerable versions of the file command. When a user or system process invokes the file command on a crafted ELF file, the buffer overflow can be triggered, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite the instruction pointer and redirect execution flow to malicious code. This vulnerability affects numerous Unix and Linux distributions that rely on the file command for file type detection, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated file processing occurs. The attack vector is straightforward, requiring only the delivery of a malicious ELF file to a system where the vulnerable file command is executed, such as through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation can lead to command execution and system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper buffer management in system utilities that process untrusted data, as highlighted by the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. Organizations should immediately update their file command installations to version 4.12 or later, where the buffer overflow has been patched through proper bounds checking and input validation. Additional mitigations include implementing file type restrictions, using sandboxed environments for file analysis, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this specific vulnerability pattern. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the insufficient validation of ELF header structures and implements proper boundary checking to prevent the overflow condition from occurring during parsing operations.