CVE-2014-8485

CVE-2014-8485 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Binutils with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (94th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-94
• Affected product: Gnu Binutils
• Published: 2014-12-09
• Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The setup_group function in bfd/elf.c in libbfd in GNU binutils 2.24 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted section group headers in an ELF file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2014-8485?

The setup_group function in bfd/elf.c in libbfd in GNU binutils 2.24 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted section group headers in an ELF file.

How severe is CVE-2014-8485?

CVE-2014-8485 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2014-8485 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2014-8485?

CVE-2014-8485 primarily affects Gnu Binutils. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2014-8485?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2014-8485 published?

CVE-2014-8485 was published on 2014-12-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

• http://lcamtuf.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/psa-dont-run-strings-on-untrusted-files.html
• http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2014-December/145262.html
• http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2014-December/145328.html
• http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2014-December/145742.html
• http://secunia.com/advisories/62241
• http://secunia.com/advisories/62746
• http://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2015:029
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2014/10/26/2
• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinoct2015-2719645.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/70741
• http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2496-1
• https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1157276
• https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201612-24
• https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=17510
• https://sourceware.org/git/gitweb.cgi?p=binutils-gdb.git%3Ba=commit%3Bh=493a33860c71cac998f1a56d6d87d6faa801fbaa

Affected products (8)

• cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:19:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:20:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:21:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:10.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:12.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:14.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:gnu:binutils:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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