CVE-2005-1704 in gdb
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library for gdb before 6.3, binutils, elfutils, and possibly other packages, allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted object file that specifies a large number of section headers, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1704 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library that forms a core component of several essential GNU development tools. This vulnerability specifically affects gdb versions prior to 6.3 along with binutils and elfutils packages, creating a widespread security concern across multiple software ecosystems. The flaw manifests when the BFD library processes object files containing maliciously crafted section header counts that exceed normal expectations, ultimately enabling attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully constructed input files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper integer handling within the BFD library's section header processing routines. When an attacker provides an object file with an inflated section header count, the library performs integer arithmetic operations that result in integer overflow conditions. This overflow occurs because the system fails to properly validate or clamp the section header count against reasonable limits, allowing the computation to wrap around to a small positive value while the actual memory allocation calculations are based on the overflowed value. The consequence is that the system allocates insufficient memory for the heap buffer, creating a situation where subsequent memory operations write beyond the allocated boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through user-assisted attack vectors. Attackers can craft malicious object files containing excessive section header counts that, when processed by vulnerable software, trigger the integer overflow and subsequent buffer overflow. This enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations, making it exploitable in various scenarios including software development workflows, automated build systems, and debugging environments where object files are regularly processed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected software components, particularly gdb versions prior to 6.3 and related binutils and elfutils packages. System administrators should prioritize updating their development toolchains to versions that contain the integer overflow fixes implemented by the respective software maintainers. Additionally, organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for object files processed by debugging and development tools, including automated scanning for suspicious section header counts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of heap-based buffer overflow exploitation patterns commonly catalogued in ATT&CK framework under software exploitation techniques. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file processing patterns and memory allocation behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts, while network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful attacks.