CVE-2014-7204 in Exuberant Ctags
Summary
by MITRE
jscript.c in Exuberant Ctags 5.8 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop and CPU and disk consumption) via a crafted JavaScript file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7204 affects Exuberant Ctags version 5.8 and represents a significant denial of service weakness in the JavaScript parsing component of this source code indexing tool. This flaw exists within the jscript.c file which handles JavaScript file processing, making it a critical component in the software's functionality. The vulnerability manifests when the tool encounters specifically crafted JavaScript files that trigger problematic parsing behavior, leading to system resource exhaustion and complete service disruption.
This vulnerability operates through an infinite loop condition that occurs during JavaScript file processing, where the parser enters a state where it continuously iterates without proper termination conditions. The flaw allows attackers to construct malicious JavaScript files that when processed by Exuberant Ctags, cause the tool to consume excessive CPU cycles and disk I/O resources. The infinite loop mechanism results in sustained high resource utilization that can eventually exhaust system capabilities and render the affected system unusable. The vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript parsing logic and demonstrates a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it affects any system that relies on Exuberant Ctags for code indexing or analysis. Organizations using this tool in automated environments, continuous integration pipelines, or development workflows may experience complete system outages when processing malicious JavaScript files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automated environments where file processing occurs without manual intervention, as it can lead to cascading failures across multiple systems. Additionally, the resource consumption characteristics make it difficult to detect and mitigate, as the system may appear to be functioning normally while slowly consuming resources.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which describes the weakness of infinite loops or other forms of indefinite iteration. The attack pattern follows typical denial of service methodologies as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of resource exhaustion. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate error handling in the JavaScript parsing component, which should have implemented proper bounds checking and loop termination mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing automated file validation and sandboxing techniques to prevent exploitation of this weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7204 include immediate patching of Exuberant Ctags to version 5.9 or later, where the JavaScript parsing logic has been corrected to prevent infinite loop conditions. System administrators should also implement file content filtering to identify and reject suspicious JavaScript files before processing. Network-level protections can be implemented through intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual CPU and disk consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxed environments for code analysis tools to isolate potential exploitation attempts and prevent system-wide impact. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and proper error handling in parsing libraries, particularly those used in automated security and development environments.