CVE-2016-5037 in libdwarf
Summary
by MITRE
The _dwarf_load_section function in libdwarf before 20160923 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5037 resides within the libdwarf library, a critical component used for processing debug information in executable files and libraries. This library serves as an essential tool for developers and system administrators who need to analyze program behavior, debug applications, and extract detailed information from compiled binaries. The specific flaw is located in the _dwarf_load_section function, which is responsible for loading and parsing section data from debug information files. When processing malformed or crafted input files, this function fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to a NULL pointer dereference condition that results in application termination.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic null pointer dereference flaw that falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software systems. This type of vulnerability occurs when an application attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or validated, causing the program to crash and potentially allowing an attacker to execute a denial of service attack. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through the processing of maliciously crafted files, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to disrupt system availability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on libdwarf for processing debug information, particularly in environments where automated analysis tools or security scanners process unknown or untrusted binary files. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially designed files that, when processed by applications using libdwarf, will trigger the NULL pointer dereference and cause the application to crash. This denial of service condition can affect various security tools, debuggers, and system monitoring applications that depend on the library for their functionality, potentially disrupting critical system operations and creating opportunities for more sophisticated attacks.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this represents a denial of service technique that can be used as part of a broader attack chain to disable defensive mechanisms or create cover for other malicious activities. Organizations using affected versions of libdwarf should prioritize immediate remediation through patching, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring special privileges or extensive knowledge of the target system. The fix involves implementing proper input validation within the _dwarf_load_section function to ensure that all pointers are properly initialized before access, thereby preventing the NULL pointer dereference condition that leads to the denial of service.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of all systems running affected versions of libdwarf, as well as implementing input validation controls in applications that process debug information. System administrators should also consider deploying network monitoring tools to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling denial of service events. Additionally, organizations should review their software supply chain processes to ensure that all dependencies are regularly updated and that known vulnerabilities are promptly addressed through appropriate security controls and monitoring mechanisms.