CVE-2016-7410 in libdwarf
Summary
by MITRE
The _dwarf_read_loc_section function in dwarf_loc.c in libdwarf 20160613 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer over-read) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7410 resides within the libdwarf library version 20160613, specifically in the _dwarf_read_loc_section function located in the dwarf_loc.c file. This issue represents a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt system operations through denial of service attacks. The libdwarf library serves as a critical component for parsing and processing debug information in dwarf format, which is extensively used in software development and security analysis tools. When processing malformed dwarf debug data, the function fails to properly validate input boundaries, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft specially designed files that trigger memory access violations.
The technical flaw manifests when the _dwarf_read_loc_section function attempts to read location information from debug sections without adequate bounds checking. This function processes location lists that describe where variables are stored during program execution, typically used by debuggers and profilers. The vulnerability occurs because the implementation does not properly validate the size of location entries or the boundaries of the data section being processed. An attacker can construct a dwarf file containing malformed location data that causes the function to read beyond allocated memory buffers, resulting in unpredictable behavior and potential system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient checking of the length of input data, and more broadly aligns with CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can affect any system that relies on libdwarf for processing debug information, including development environments, security analysis tools, and runtime debugging systems. When exploited, the buffer over-read can cause applications to crash or behave unpredictably, potentially leading to complete system instability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability in scenarios where they can influence the processing of debug files, such as when analyzing compiled binaries, performing security audits, or processing crash dumps. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate file processing operations, making it difficult to distinguish between benign and malicious inputs. Systems using libdwarf for automated processing of debug information are at risk, including continuous integration pipelines, automated security scanners, and forensic analysis tools that parse binary executables.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7410 should focus on immediate patching of the libdwarf library to the latest version that contains the fix for this buffer over-read condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that enforce strict boundaries on debug data processing, particularly for location sections that are frequently targeted in such attacks. Security teams should consider implementing sandboxing techniques when processing untrusted debug files, isolating the parsing operations in restricted environments to prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, monitoring and logging systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in debug data processing that might indicate attempted exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1499, concerning network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls to limit who can submit or process debug files, reducing the attack surface and ensuring that only trusted sources can trigger the vulnerable code path. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of debug data handling capabilities to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the software stack.