CVE-2017-14129 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The read_section 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 (parse_comp_unit 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-2017-14129 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the read_section function located in dwarf2.c. This vulnerability exists within GNU Binutils version 2.29 and affects the processing of ELF files through the BFD library's handling of DWARF debugging information. The flaw arises from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of compilation unit headers, where the function fails to properly validate the size of data structures before attempting to read from memory regions that may extend beyond allocated buffer boundaries. The issue manifests when a maliciously crafted ELF file contains malformed DWARF debugging information that triggers the over-read condition during the parse_comp_unit operation, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns and potential application instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the BFD library processes an ELF file containing specially crafted DWARF debugging data that causes the read_section function to attempt reading beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries. This heap-based buffer over-read represents a classic memory safety issue that can be leveraged by remote attackers to cause denial of service conditions through application crashes or system instability. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within a core component of the GNU toolchain that is widely used for binary file manipulation, analysis, and processing across various security and development environments. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of robust bounds checking in memory management operations, particularly when handling potentially malicious input data from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14129 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially be exploited to disrupt security tools and development environments that rely on the BFD library for binary analysis. Systems that process untrusted ELF files through tools such as objdump, readelf, or other utilities built on top of the BFD library become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability affects any application or service that uses GNU Binutils for processing binary files, including security scanners, malware analysis tools, and automated build systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.007 technique related to execution through command-line interfaces, as exploitation may occur through automated processing of malicious files. The CWE classification for this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that can lead to information disclosure, system crashes, and potentially more severe consequences when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14129 primarily involve updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils, specifically versions 2.30 or later where the heap buffer over-read has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should prioritize patching systems that process untrusted binary files, particularly those running security tools, malware analysis platforms, or automated build environments. The fix implemented by the GNU project typically involves adding comprehensive bounds checking to the read_section function in dwarf2.c, ensuring that all data reads from debugging information structures are validated against allocated buffer sizes before memory access occurs. Additionally, system administrators should implement defensive measures such as restricting access to binary file processing capabilities, employing sandboxed environments for binary analysis, and regularly auditing toolchains for outdated components. Network security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts through automated scanning tools that might attempt to trigger this vulnerability in systems processing ELF files, while also ensuring that all systems utilizing GNU Binutils components are maintained with current security patches to prevent potential exploitation through this and related memory safety vulnerabilities.