CVE-2016-2226 in libiberty
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the string_appends function in cplus-dem.c in libiberty allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted executable, which triggers a buffer overflow.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2226 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the cplus-dem.c component of libiberty, a library commonly used for demangling C++ symbols in debugging and analysis tools. This flaw exists specifically within the string_appends function where improper handling of integer values can lead to miscalculations in buffer size determinations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution when a maliciously crafted executable is processed by software utilizing this library. The integer overflow occurs when the function calculates the required buffer space for string operations, leading to an unexpectedly small buffer allocation that subsequently results in a buffer overflow during string manipulation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where integer arithmetic produces values outside the range that can be represented by the target data type.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2226 extends significantly across software ecosystems that rely on libiberty for symbol demangling operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially designed executable files that, when processed by affected software, trigger the integer overflow condition. This typically occurs in debugging tools, binary analysis frameworks, and reverse engineering utilities that utilize the cplus-dem.c functionality. The buffer overflow resulting from this integer overflow creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to potentially gain control over the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the vulnerable application. The attack surface is particularly broad since many development and security analysis tools incorporate libiberty as a dependency, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable across numerous software platforms and systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2226 should prioritize immediate patching of affected software components that utilize libiberty, particularly those handling untrusted binary inputs. System administrators and software maintainers should ensure that all instances of libiberty are updated to versions that address the integer overflow in the string_appends function, which typically involves applying the appropriate security patches released by the maintainers. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and sanitization protocols can help reduce the risk of exploitation by preventing malformed executables from being processed by vulnerable applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust integer handling practices in software development, particularly when dealing with memory allocation calculations. Organizations should also consider deploying defensive measures such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other exploit mitigation techniques to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on integer arithmetic operations and buffer management practices can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched components to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in functionality while effectively addressing the underlying integer overflow condition.