CVE-2017-12450 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The alpha_vms_object_p function in bfd/vms-alpha.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29 and earlier, allows remote attackers to cause an out of bounds heap write and possibly achieve code execution via a crafted vms alpha file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12450 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library component of GNU Binutils, specifically in the alpha_vms_object_p function located in bfd/vms-alpha.c. This flaw affects versions 2.29 and earlier of the binutils package, representing a critical security weakness that can be exploited remotely. The BFD library serves as a foundational component for handling various binary file formats, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could impact numerous tools and systems that depend on binutils for processing executable files and object code. The vulnerability manifests when processing specially crafted VMS Alpha files, which are binary formats used on Digital Equipment Corporation's VMS operating systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the alpha_vms_object_p function. When the BFD library processes a malformed VMS Alpha file, the function fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries during memory allocation and data processing operations. This deficiency results in an out-of-bounds heap write condition where malicious data can be written beyond the allocated memory boundaries of heap-allocated structures. The flaw operates through a classic heap-based buffer overflow pattern where attacker-controlled data is used to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a common class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12450 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable remote code execution attacks. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to write arbitrary data to heap memory locations, potentially overwriting function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program structures. The attack vector requires an attacker to craft a malicious VMS Alpha file that, when processed by any application utilizing the vulnerable BFD library, triggers the flawed alpha_vms_object_p function. This could occur in various contexts including automated file processing systems, malware analysis tools, or any application that handles binary file formats through the BFD library. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where users might process untrusted binary files, as it could be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate version updates and application-level protections. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to GNU Binutils version 2.30 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper bounds checking implementation in the alpha_vms_object_p function. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those processing untrusted binary files or operating in networked environments where remote exploitation is possible. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation procedures, sandboxing applications that process binary files, and employing input sanitization techniques to prevent malformed files from reaching vulnerable code paths. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving code injection and memory corruption, specifically mapping to T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as heap hardening, address space layout randomization, and stack canaries to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.