CVE-2016-9275 in libdwarf
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the _dwarf_skim_forms function in libdwarf/dwarf_macro5.c in Libdwarf before 20161124 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9275 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the libdwarf library's _dwarf_skim_forms function located in dwarf_macro5.c. This flaw exists in libdwarf versions prior to 20161124 and creates a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through out-of-bounds read operations. The libdwarf library serves as a crucial component for parsing and processing dwarf debug information format files commonly used in software development and debugging processes across various operating systems and applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the _dwarf_skim_forms function which processes dwarf macro information. When processing malformed or specially crafted dwarf debug information structures, the function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses and buffer operations, leading to heap corruption and subsequent out-of-bounds memory reads. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The flaw occurs during the parsing of macro information within dwarf debug sections, where the library does not adequately validate the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to process it.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors when combined with other weaknesses in the system. Remote attackers can craft malicious dwarf debug information files that trigger the buffer overflow condition, causing applications using libdwarf to crash or behave unpredictably. This affects a wide range of software systems including compilers, debuggers, system monitoring tools, and security analysis applications that rely on libdwarf for processing debug information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where applications process untrusted debug data from external sources or when automated analysis tools encounter malformed debug information during routine operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9275 primarily involve immediate patching of libdwarf installations to versions 20161124 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected systems and applications that utilize libdwarf components, particularly in server environments where untrusted debug information might be processed. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for debug information files, deploying runtime monitoring to detect abnormal memory access patterns, and establishing secure processing pipelines that sanitize debug data before ingestion. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security libraries and implementing robust input validation practices to prevent heap-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to system instability and potential exploitation by malicious actors.