CVE-2014-8501 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The _bfd_XXi_swap_aouthdr_in function in bfd/peXXigen.c in GNU binutils 2.24 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write) and possibly have other unspecified impact via a crafted NumberOfRvaAndSizes field in the AOUT header in a PE executable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8501 resides within the GNU binutils software suite, specifically in the bfd/peXXigen.c file where the _bfd_XXi_swap_aouthdr_in function processes PE executable files. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects versions of GNU binutils up to and including 2.24, making it a widespread concern for systems that utilize these tools for binary file manipulation and analysis. The vulnerability manifests when the function handles the NumberOfRvaAndSizes field within the AOUT header of PE executables, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can trigger unexpected behavior in the software's memory management operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through an out-of-bounds write condition that arises when the NumberOfRvaAndSizes field contains invalid or maliciously constructed values. This field typically defines the number of data directory entries in the PE header, but when improperly sized or crafted, it causes the _bfd_XXi_swap_aouthdr_in function to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries intended for the AOUT header structure. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable program behavior, including crashes, segmentation faults, and potential exploitation for more severe attacks. The vulnerability falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to memory safety issues in binary processing tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8501 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability when systems process malicious PE files through GNU binutils. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because binutils is a fundamental component in many development and security analysis environments, including malware analysis frameworks, binary patching tools, and system administration utilities. When exploited, the vulnerability can affect systems that automatically process or analyze PE files, such as antivirus systems, security scanning tools, and automated build environments. The potential for remote exploitation means that attackers could craft malicious PE files that, when processed by vulnerable systems, trigger the out-of-bounds write condition and compromise system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8501 primarily involve upgrading to GNU binutils version 2.25 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory boundary checking. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as restricting the processing of untrusted PE files through automated tools, implementing proper input sanitization when handling binary data, and maintaining updated security tooling that does not rely on vulnerable versions of binutils. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for binary file analysis and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking in binary processing software and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through binary padding, where malformed binary data can be used to trigger memory corruption vulnerabilities in processing tools.