CVE-2014-8484 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The srec_scan function in bfd/srec.c in libdbfd in GNU binutils before 2.25 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a small S-record.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8484 resides within the srec_scan function located in bfd/srec.c file of GNU binutils library version 2.24 and earlier. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service scenario. The issue specifically manifests when processing S-record files, which are commonly used for transferring object code and data between different systems. S-records are hexadecimal data representations that contain information about program memory locations and data values, making them integral to embedded systems development and firmware analysis processes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the scanning routine that processes these records without proper bounds checking.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the srec_scan function failing to properly validate the length of incoming S-record data before attempting to access memory locations. When an attacker crafts a malicious S-record with insufficient data content, the function attempts to read beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in an out-of-bounds memory access. This memory access violation typically manifests as a segmentation fault or similar crash condition that terminates the targeted process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through network-based file processing, making it exploitable in automated attack scenarios where malicious S-record files are processed by vulnerable applications. The flaw aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and demonstrates how inadequate boundary checking can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability impacts any system or application that relies on GNU binutils for processing S-record files, particularly those involved in embedded systems development, firmware analysis, or reverse engineering activities. The denial of service condition can disrupt critical development workflows, automated build processes, or security analysis tools that depend on proper binary file handling. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply providing a crafted S-record file that triggers the out-of-bounds read condition during processing, causing the affected application to crash or become unresponsive. This type of vulnerability is particularly problematic in environments where automated file processing occurs, as it can be leveraged to cause persistent service disruptions or to mask more sophisticated attacks by creating noise in system monitoring.
The remediation approach for CVE-2014-8484 involves upgrading to GNU binutils version 2.25 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through improved input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize updating their binutils installations, particularly in development environments and security analysis platforms where S-record processing occurs. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, ensuring that even if the underlying library is not immediately updated, the risk of exploitation is reduced. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based security controls to prevent processing of untrusted S-record files, especially in automated environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper buffer management and input validation in security-critical software components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.002 which covers network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion or memory corruption. This specific flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation oversights in low-level libraries can have significant operational impacts across multiple domains of computing infrastructure.