CVE-2016-8680 in libdwarf
Summary
by MITRE
The _dwarf_get_abbrev_for_code function in dwarf_util.c in libdwarf 20161001 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) by calling the dwarfdump command on a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8680 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the libdwarf library version 20161001 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the _dwarf_get_abbrev_for_code function located in the dwarf_util.c file, which is part of the DWARF debugging information library used extensively in software development and security analysis tools. The vulnerability manifests when the dwarfdump command processes a maliciously crafted input file, creating a scenario where remote attackers can trigger a denial of service condition through indirect code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the dwarf_get_abbrev_for_code function, which is responsible for retrieving abbreviation information from DWARF debugging data structures. When processing malformed DWARF data, the function fails to validate array indices or memory access boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft a specially formatted file that causes the application to read memory beyond allocated buffer limits. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of buffer over-read conditions that can lead to system instability and denial of service scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it affects the reliability and stability of debugging and analysis tools that depend on libdwarf functionality. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the dwarfdump utility to crash or behave unpredictably, disrupting development workflows and security analysis processes that rely on proper DWARF data parsing. The remote exploitation aspect means that attackers can potentially compromise systems through web-based interfaces or file sharing mechanisms where such tools might be invoked automatically. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to cause unauthorized code execution through malformed input processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8680 primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected libdwarf library to version 20161001 or later, where the bounds checking has been properly implemented. Organizations should also implement input validation measures when processing DWARF data files, particularly in automated systems or web interfaces that might receive untrusted input. Additional defensive measures include restricting access to the dwarfdump utility, implementing sandboxing techniques, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unusual process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts and maintain regular updates to all debugging and analysis toolchains to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in their environments.