CVE-2017-14128 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The decode_line_info function in dwarf2.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (read_1_byte heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14128 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the decode_line_info function located in dwarf2.c. This flaw affects GNU Binutils version 2.29 and represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted ELF files. The BFD library serves as a foundational component for handling various binary formats including ELF, COFF, and Mach-O, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it impacts numerous tools and applications that rely on BFD for binary analysis and manipulation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the DWARF debug information parsing logic, which is used to extract line number information from compiled binaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer over-read that occurs when the decode_line_info function processes malformed DWARF debug information within ELF files. When an attacker crafts a specially designed ELF file containing manipulated debug line information, the function attempts to read beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can lead to application crashes or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and demonstrates how improper handling of structured binary data can lead to memory safety issues. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector because it can be triggered without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process untrusted binary files from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14128 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can affect a wide range of security tools and applications that utilize the BFD library for binary analysis. Security tools such as malware analysis frameworks, vulnerability scanners, and reverse engineering utilities that rely on BFD for processing ELF files become vulnerable to this attack vector. Additionally, applications that automatically process user-uploaded binaries, such as code repositories, binary analysis platforms, or automated security testing systems, face significant risk exposure. The vulnerability can be leveraged in supply chain attacks where malicious actors inject crafted ELF files into legitimate software distributions, or in web-based applications that process uploaded binary content without proper validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.007 technique for execution through compiled binaries and represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14128 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils, specifically versions 2.30 and later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and applications that utilize BFD functionality, particularly those handling untrusted binary input. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for binary files, employing sandboxing techniques when processing potentially malicious binaries, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious ELF file patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing automated binary analysis tools that can detect and flag potentially malicious debug information structures before they can be processed by vulnerable applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory safety practices in security-critical libraries and the need for comprehensive testing of binary parsing functions against malformed input conditions.