CVE-2014-8737 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in GNU binutils 2.24 and earlier allow local users to delete arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) or full path name in an archive to (1) strip or (2) objcopy or create arbitrary files via (3) a .. (dot dot) or full path name in an archive to ar.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2014-8737 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting GNU binutils versions 2.24 and earlier, specifically impacting three core utilities: strip, objcopy, and ar. This vulnerability exposes systems to arbitrary file deletion and creation attacks through maliciously crafted archive files that contain path traversal sequences. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation within these binary utilities, which process archive files without properly sanitizing path components that could contain directory traversal sequences such as ".." or absolute paths. When these utilities encounter archive files containing such malicious path references, they fail to validate the integrity of the paths before executing file operations, creating a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate the file system outside of intended directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent design of archive processing within GNU binutils where these tools accept archive files containing file entries with potentially dangerous path specifications. During processing, the strip utility removes debugging symbols from object files while objcopy copies and converts object files, both of which can be manipulated through archive contents to execute destructive operations. The ar utility, which creates and maintains archive files, becomes equally vulnerable when processing archives containing malicious path references. Attackers can craft archive files with entries that specify paths containing ".." sequences or absolute paths, causing these utilities to delete existing files or create new files in arbitrary locations on the system. This vulnerability operates at the file system level, bypassing normal access controls and permissions, as the utilities execute with the privileges of the user running them, potentially leading to system compromise if executed with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8737 extends beyond simple file manipulation to encompass potential system compromise and data destruction scenarios. Local attackers with access to systems running vulnerable versions of GNU binutils can exploit this vulnerability to delete critical system files, create backdoor files, or manipulate the file system in ways that could lead to further privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where these utilities are used for software compilation, packaging, or system maintenance, as attackers could exploit the flaw during normal build processes or archive creation operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of path traversal attacks that have been documented across numerous software systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning in automated build environments or continuous integration systems where archive processing occurs automatically, as these scenarios could allow attackers to exploit the vulnerability without direct user interaction.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to GNU binutils versions 2.25 or later where this vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and path sanitization. System administrators should also implement restrictive file permissions on binutils utilities and monitor for unusual file system modifications in environments where these tools are frequently used. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system utilities and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command-line interface, as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code through file system manipulation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file system integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file deletions or creations that might result from exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where software compilation or packaging occurs regularly. The fix implemented in later versions typically involves enhanced path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file system operations, thereby eliminating the attack surface that existed in vulnerable versions.