CVE-2019-8907 in File
Summary
by MITRE
do_core_note in readelf.c in libmagic.a in file 5.35 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack corruption and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8907 resides within the file command version 5.35 library magic component, specifically in the do_core_note function located in readelf.c. This flaw represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when processing malformed ELF core dump files. The vulnerability manifests when the file utility attempts to analyze core dump files that contain specially crafted note sections, leading to unpredictable behavior during the parsing process. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed utility that is part of the file command suite, which serves as a fundamental tool for identifying file types across various operating systems and network environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the do_core_note function where the application fails to properly bounds-check data extracted from the note section of ELF core files. When the file utility processes a malformed core note structure, the application writes data beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries, resulting in stack corruption that ultimately leads to application termination through segmentation fault or other memory access violations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the CWE Top 25 Most Dangerous Software Weaknesses. The flaw can be exploited by remote attackers who craft malicious ELF core dump files designed to trigger the vulnerable code path during automated file type detection processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8907 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within environments that rely heavily on automated file analysis. Systems that process untrusted file uploads, handle email attachments, or perform automated content scanning may be vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in environments where the file command is invoked programmatically. The vulnerability can be leveraged in automated attack scenarios where adversaries send crafted core dump files to systems running file command utilities, potentially causing cascading failures in security infrastructure or service availability. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell, where adversaries may exploit such vulnerabilities to disrupt system operations or create conditions for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected file command installations to version 5.36 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that restrict processing of core dump files from untrusted sources, particularly in automated environments where file analysis is performed without human oversight. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems that process potentially malicious file content. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect abnormal file analysis patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should verify that all file processing components are updated to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the broader software ecosystem.