CVE-2017-12457 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The bfd_make_section_with_flags function in section.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29 and earlier, allows remote attackers to cause a NULL dereference via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12457 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, a core component of GNU Binutils that handles various binary file formats. This flaw specifically affects the bfd_make_section_with_flags function located in section.c, which is responsible for creating sections within binary files during processing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the BFD library processes malformed or crafted input files, leading to a critical NULL pointer dereference condition that can result in application crashes or potentially more severe consequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the bfd_make_section_with_flags function, which fails to properly handle certain edge cases in section flag processing. When an attacker provides a specially crafted binary file containing malformed section headers or invalid flag combinations, the function attempts to dereference a NULL pointer that should have been properly initialized or validated. This NULL dereference occurs during the section creation process when the library tries to access memory locations that have not been allocated or properly set, creating a condition that can be exploited to disrupt normal program execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on BFD library functionality for processing binary files, particularly in environments where untrusted input is processed. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this flaw through network-based delivery of malicious files, making it particularly dangerous for services that handle file uploads or processing of external binary content. The NULL dereference typically results in immediate application crashes, which can be leveraged for denial-of-service attacks against systems that depend on BFD for binary analysis, file format conversion, or debugging operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation leading to memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution when used in conjunction with other attack vectors, or T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service when exploited for service disruption. The impact extends beyond simple crashes as it can potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives, particularly in environments where BFD is used for automated binary analysis or security scanning operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12457 primarily involve upgrading to GNU Binutils version 2.30 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and NULL pointer checks. System administrators should also implement defensive measures such as restricting file processing to trusted sources, implementing input sanitization for binary files, and monitoring for unusual crash patterns in applications that utilize BFD functionality. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process external binary content, as the remote nature of the attack makes network-level defenses particularly important for preventing exploitation attempts.