CVE-2016-9276 in libdwarf
Summary
by MITRE
The dwarf_get_aranges_list function in dwarf_arrange.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-2016-9276 resides within the Libdwarf library, specifically in the dwarf_get_aranges_list function located in the dwarf_arrange.c file. This issue affects versions of Libdwarf prior to 20161124 and represents a critical security flaw 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 debugging information format files commonly used in software development and debugging processes across various operating systems and applications. When the dwarf_get_aranges_list function processes malformed or specially crafted input data, it fails to properly validate array boundaries, leading to memory access violations that can crash applications or systems relying on this library. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and debugging infrastructure, where the improper handling of structured data can lead to system instability and availability issues.
The technical flaw manifests when the function attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries during the processing of dwarf debugging information. This out-of-bounds read vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the array handling logic. The function does not adequately verify the size or validity of array indices before accessing memory locations, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that triggers memory access violations. Such flaws typically fall under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and more specifically CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote access to systems that utilize Libdwarf for processing debug information, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where applications might process untrusted data from external sources. The flaw can be triggered through various means including processing malformed elf files, debug information structures, or any input that eventually gets parsed by the vulnerable function.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9276 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system stability and availability across multiple software platforms. Applications that rely on Libdwarf for debugging, profiling, or binary analysis can become vulnerable to crashes, hangs, or complete application failures when processing maliciously crafted input. This vulnerability affects systems where debugging information is processed, including compilers, debuggers, system monitoring tools, and security analysis frameworks. The remote nature of the attack means that systems may be compromised without direct user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in server environments or applications that process external data. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving denial of service and privilege escalation through software exploitation, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt services or create conditions for further exploitation. The impact is significant because many critical applications and system tools depend on Libdwarf for proper operation, making widespread system instability a real possibility.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9276 involve immediate patching of affected Libdwarf versions to 20161124 or later, which includes the necessary boundary checks and input validation fixes. System administrators should prioritize updating all instances of Libdwarf across their infrastructure, particularly in environments where untrusted data processing occurs. Additional defensive measures include implementing input validation layers, restricting access to debug information processing capabilities, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for applications that process external binary data, isolating vulnerable functions from critical system operations. The fix implemented in the patched versions typically involves adding proper array boundary checks and input validation before memory access operations, ensuring that all array indices are validated against allocated memory limits. Regular security auditing of third-party libraries and maintaining up-to-date software versions remains essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from compromising system security and availability in the broader software ecosystem.