CVE-2014-8485 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The setup_group function in bfd/elf.c in libbfd in GNU binutils 2.24 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted section group headers in an ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8485 resides within the GNU binutils library, specifically in the bfd/elf.c file where the setup_group function processes section group headers in ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files. This flaw affects versions of GNU binutils up to and including 2.24, making it a significant concern for systems that process untrusted ELF binaries. The vulnerability manifests when the setup_group function encounters crafted section group headers that are malformed or contain unexpected data structures, leading to unpredictable behavior during the binary processing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the ELF file parsing logic. When an attacker crafts an ELF file with maliciously constructed section group headers, the setup_group function fails to properly validate the input data before attempting to process it. This lack of proper sanitization creates opportunities for memory corruption conditions that can result in either program crashes or more severe exploitation possibilities. The flaw operates at the binary analysis layer where the tool attempts to interpret and organize the various sections of an ELF file into logical groupings for further processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8485 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability can potentially enable remote code execution in certain circumstances. Systems that automatically process or analyze ELF files, such as malware analysis platforms, package managers, or build systems, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where users might encounter untrusted binaries, as simply opening or analyzing such files could trigger the exploitable condition. This makes the vulnerability relevant to security researchers, system administrators, and organizations that handle diverse binary inputs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to GNU binutils version 2.25 or later, where the issue has been addressed through improved input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict file validation procedures for any ELF files that are processed automatically, particularly in security-sensitive environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through command-line interfaces. Additional defensive measures include sandboxing binary analysis operations and implementing network-based filtering to prevent the processing of untrusted ELF files in automated systems.