CVE-2014-8116 in file
Summary
by MITRE
The ELF parser (readelf.c) in file before 5.21 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption or crash) via a large number of (1) program or (2) section headers or (3) invalid capabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8116 resides within the ELF parser component of the file utility suite, specifically in the readelf.c module. This issue affects versions prior to 5.21 and represents a significant security concern due to its potential to enable remote denial of service attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and processing of ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, which are standard binary formats used in Unix-like operating systems for executables, object code, and shared libraries. When the file utility processes malformed ELF files containing excessive program headers, section headers, or invalid capabilities, it fails to properly handle these inputs, leading to system instability.
The technical flaw manifests through the parser's inability to efficiently process or reject malformed ELF structures containing an excessive number of program headers, section headers, or invalid capability entries. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially designed ELF files that contain an unusually large number of these headers or capabilities, causing the file utility to consume excessive CPU resources or crash entirely. This behavior aligns with CWE-122, which describes improper restriction of operations within a limited error handling routine, and represents a classic example of resource exhaustion through malformed input processing. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely when the file utility is invoked on untrusted input, such as files downloaded from the internet or processed through automated systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system availability and stability. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the file utility to enter infinite loops or consume excessive system resources, effectively creating a denial of service condition that may affect legitimate system operations. Systems that rely heavily on automated file type detection, such as mail servers, web applications, or security scanning tools, become particularly vulnerable as they may invoke the file utility on numerous files from untrusted sources. The attack vector is particularly concerning in environments where automated processing of user-uploaded files occurs, as the vulnerability can be triggered without requiring any special privileges or authentication. This makes it a significant concern for cloud environments, content delivery networks, and any system processing untrusted binary content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8116 primarily involve updating to version 5.21 or later of the file utility where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and processing limits. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of the file utility are updated across the enterprise environment. Additional defensive measures include implementing file type validation at network boundaries, using sandboxed environments for processing untrusted files, and configuring automated systems to limit the number of headers or capabilities that can be processed by the file utility. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting for unusual CPU consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and resource limiting in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for resource exhaustion attacks and highlighting the necessity of robust error handling as outlined in MITRE ATT&CK framework's defensive strategies.