CVE-2011-4355 in GDB
Summary
by MITRE
GNU Project Debugger (GDB) before 7.5, when .debug_gdb_scripts is defined, automatically loads certain files from the current working directory, which allows local users to gain privileges via crafted files such as Python scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4355 affects GNU Project Debugger (GDB) versions prior to 7.5, presenting a significant privilege escalation risk through insecure automatic file loading mechanisms. This flaw exists within the debuggers handling of .debug_gdb_scripts section metadata, which causes GDB to automatically execute scripts from the current working directory without proper validation or sandboxing measures. The vulnerability specifically targets the automatic loading behavior that occurs when GDB encounters debug information containing references to gdb script files, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate the execution environment through carefully crafted local files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from GDB's failure to properly isolate script execution contexts when processing .debug_gdb_scripts entries. When a debugger session begins and encounters this metadata, it automatically searches and loads scripts from the current working directory without verifying their legitimacy or source authenticity. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-78, which covers OS command injection vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal and code execution scenario where local files can be executed with the privileges of the user running GDB, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary commands on the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4355 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios including development environments, system administration workflows, and debugging sessions where GDB is used with untrusted binary files. Attackers can craft malicious Python scripts or other supported script formats that will be automatically executed when GDB processes debug information from compromised binaries. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where developers frequently debug applications or where GDB is used in automated testing scenarios, as these contexts often involve running GDB with elevated privileges or in directories containing untrusted code. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1548, which addresses abuse of privilege escalation techniques through debugging tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4355 primarily focus on upgrading to GDB version 7.5 or later, which includes patches addressing the automatic script loading behavior. System administrators should implement strict file permission controls and directory isolation for debugging environments, ensuring that the current working directory for GDB sessions does not contain untrusted files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing security measures such as sandboxing debugging sessions, using restricted user accounts for debugging activities, and regularly auditing debug information in binaries to prevent malicious script injection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in debugging tools and the necessity of validating all automatic loading behaviors in security-sensitive applications.