CVE-2014-8625 in dpkg
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in the parse_error_msg function in parsehelp.c in dpkg before 1.17.22 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) package or (2) architecture name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8625 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the dpkg package management system, specifically within the parse_error_msg function located in parsehelp.c. This flaw affects dpkg versions prior to 1.17.22 and exposes the system to potential remote exploitation. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user-supplied input within format string operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the program's execution flow. The issue is particularly concerning because dpkg serves as a fundamental package management utility in debian-based linux distributions, making this vulnerability a significant threat to system integrity and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the parse_error_msg function's failure to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before using them in format string operations. When attackers provide specially crafted package names or architecture names containing format specifiers, the function processes these inputs without adequate protection mechanisms. This creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can trigger memory corruption, stack manipulation, or direct code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects two distinct input vectors: package names and architecture names, both of which are commonly used in package management operations and are frequently processed by dpkg during installation, removal, or upgrade procedures. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-134 which describes the use of format strings without proper validation, a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous security incidents.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8625 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution on vulnerable systems. An attacker who can successfully exploit this vulnerability could cause the dpkg process to crash, leading to service disruption, or more critically, could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the dpkg process. This poses significant risks to system availability and integrity, particularly in environments where package management operations are frequently performed or where dpkg is used in automated deployment scenarios. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. From an attack tactics perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy where adversaries leverage format string vulnerabilities to achieve privilege escalation or persistent access through package management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8625 primarily focus on updating to dpkg version 1.17.22 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the format string handling issues. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and verifying that the update has been properly applied. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation for package names and architecture specifications, monitoring for unusual package management activities, and restricting network access to package repositories where possible. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of dpkg or related utilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in system utilities and demonstrates how fundamental package management tools can become attack vectors when proper input validation mechanisms are absent. Security monitoring should specifically look for abnormal crash patterns in package management processes and unusual format string usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.