I don't know, but that's an odd mix of programs to flip out all at once. What updates have you tried recently? Something tells me that either you tried to update the kernel, and didn't read the changes file, or you updated some of these core-type programs, and didn't update the kernel. Possibly, even there's a bash update somewhere, and now those files don't know what to do. Alternatively, you might even be compromised by some ancient virus (RH7 is nearing a decade old, you know).
First off, I'd make sure you make a quality backup (as in new disk/tape, etc) of anything important on that system. Second, I'd run the gauntlet on anyone who administers that system, making it clear that they won't get fired (yet), but you need to know why it happened (Linux system don't just mess up, it takes some help, unlike Windows servers).
Third, when those won't work (I'm not an optimist when it comes to IT people), I'd try to analyze and compare the systems components with a similar system. In other words, I'd run a 'uname -a' and find out what kernel was running, then download the changes file for that kernel,
www.kernel.org, double check (using the changes file) what the minimal requirements are (and judge as reasonable, the supporting files--if your coreutils file is supposed to be a certain version, but the one you're running is 5 versions ahead, that might be a problem).
If everything is good there (and it won't be, but I'm being generous), perhaps it's time to consider an overall upgrade. Yes, I know, RedHat is expensive, but for the number of years that have passed since RH7, any free downloaded distro is likely more secure than what you are running now. It's important to remember, as well, as much time as you might lose by doing such a major upgrade (it's not that bad), the new tools, utilities, and security will pay dividends in a matter of weeks.
Good luck though, and at least you can be glad that you aren't asking the same question about windows NT, which is the same age, but not nearly the pedigree.
