CVE-2014-9471 in coreutils
Summary
by MITRE
The parse_datetime function in GNU coreutils allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted date string, as demonstrated by the "--date=TZ="123"345" @1" string to the touch or date command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9471 represents a critical flaw in GNU coreutils that affects the parse_datetime function, which is responsible for interpreting date and time strings in various system utilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the touch and date commands, which are fundamental components of Unix-like operating systems used for file timestamp manipulation and system time management. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and parsing logic that fails to properly handle malformed date strings, creating a potential vector for both denial of service attacks and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core system utilities that are widely used and accessible to both local and remote attackers, making it a significant threat to system integrity and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the parse_datetime function's inadequate handling of malformed input sequences, specifically when processing date strings containing unusual character combinations and escape sequences. When attackers provide a crafted date string such as "--date=TZ="123"345" @1", the function enters an unpredictable state where it fails to properly parse the timestamp information, leading to memory corruption or stack overflow conditions. This parsing error occurs during the interpretation of timezone specifications and numeric values within the date string, where the function does not properly validate the boundaries of string parsing operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it may also manifest as heap-based issues depending on the specific parsing path taken. The function's failure to properly sanitize input allows attackers to manipulate the parsing state machine in ways that can lead to either program termination through segmentation faults or more severe exploitation scenarios where control flow can be redirected.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9471 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable remote code execution in vulnerable environments, making it a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals. When exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to crash critical system utilities, rendering them unavailable for legitimate use, or potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the affected commands. The attack surface is broad since touch and date commands are commonly used in scripts, cron jobs, and system administration tasks, meaning that exploitation could occur through various attack vectors including web applications, automated systems, or direct command execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers may leverage it to compromise system integrity or escalate privileges, as the affected commands often run with elevated privileges in certain contexts. The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific date strings that trigger the parsing logic error, making this vulnerability both accessible and potentially devastating in environments where core utilities are frequently invoked.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9471 should focus on immediate patching of affected GNU coreutils installations, as this represents a critical security flaw that cannot be adequately addressed through configuration changes alone. System administrators should prioritize updating their coreutils packages to versions that contain proper input validation and sanitization routines that prevent the malformed date string from causing parsing failures. The recommended approach includes implementing automated patch management systems to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as well as conducting thorough inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of GNU coreutils. Additional protective measures include implementing input validation at the application level for any system utilities that process date strings, monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, and restricting access to core system utilities where possible. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability through crafted date strings, and establish incident response procedures that address potential exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in system utilities and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of core system components, particularly those handling date and time parsing operations that are frequently invoked in automated environments.