CVE-2014-9447 in elfutils
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the read_long_names function in libelf/elf_begin.c in elfutils 0.152 and 0.161 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files to the root directory via a / (slash) in a crafted archive, as demonstrated using the ar program.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The CVE-2014-9447 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the elfutils library ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 0.152 and 0.161. This vulnerability manifests in the read_long_names function located within the libelf/elf_begin.c file, creating a significant security risk that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file write operations. The flaw occurs when processing crafted archive files through the ar program, where a single forward slash character in the archive structure can be exploited to traverse directories and write files directly to the root directory of the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the elfutils library. When the read_long_names function processes archive entries containing malicious path sequences, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate the directory traversal behavior. This particular weakness aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental assumption that archive file paths should be treated as relative to the archive's intended working directory, rather than allowing absolute path resolution.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9447 extends beyond simple file system manipulation, creating potential for system compromise and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to write malicious files to critical system locations, potentially including system binaries, configuration files, or other sensitive directories. The ability to write to the root directory specifically creates opportunities for persistent backdoor installation, system modification, or denial of service conditions. This vulnerability affects any system that utilizes the affected version of elfutils library, particularly those that process untrusted archive files through the ar program or similar tools that depend on the library's functionality.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including TA0005 (Defense Evasion) and TA0004 (Privilege Escalation) by enabling attackers to modify system files and potentially establish persistent access. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated through crafted archive files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where archive processing occurs automatically or without proper validation. Organizations relying on elfutils for system administration, package management, or binary analysis are at risk, especially those processing third-party software packages or archives from untrusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign library functions can create critical security gaps when proper input validation and path restriction mechanisms are absent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9447 require immediate patching of affected elfutils versions to 0.162 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been resolved through proper input sanitization and path validation. System administrators should implement strict file access controls and limit the execution privileges of archive processing utilities. Network segmentation and input validation should be enforced at multiple layers to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of system libraries and applications that depend on elfutils are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect and block suspicious archive files before they are processed, particularly in environments where untrusted archives may be encountered during software deployment or system maintenance operations.