CVE-2017-14333 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The process_version_sections function in readelf.c in GNU Binutils 2.29 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (Integer Overflow, and hang because of a time-consuming loop) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted binary file with invalid values of ent.vn_next, during "readelf -a" execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14333 resides within the GNU Binutils 2.29 distribution, specifically in the readelf.c source file where the process_version_sections function handles binary file analysis. This flaw manifests when the readelf utility processes crafted binary files that contain malformed version information structures, particularly invalid values in the ent.vn_next field. The vulnerability represents a classic integer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, which are standard binary formats used across Unix-like operating systems for executables, object code, and shared libraries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a lack of proper input validation within the version section processing logic. When readelf encounters a binary file with invalid vn_next values, the function attempts to perform arithmetic operations that result in integer overflow conditions. This overflow causes the program to enter into a computationally expensive loop or infinite iteration, effectively creating a denial of service scenario where the utility becomes unresponsive and consumes excessive system resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the readelf -a command which performs comprehensive analysis of ELF files, making it particularly dangerous when processing untrusted binary content. The integer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking and validation of version information structure fields, allowing malicious inputs to manipulate loop termination conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14333 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment. Systems that rely on automated processing of binary files through readelf or similar tools become vulnerable to resource exhaustion attacks, where attackers can craft malicious binaries that cause system instability or complete service interruption. This vulnerability particularly affects security tools and automated systems that perform routine binary analysis, as these systems may be processing untrusted inputs from various sources. The time-consuming loop behavior creates opportunities for attackers to consume system resources such as CPU time and memory, potentially leading to system performance degradation or complete system unresponsiveness. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004, Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables attackers to disrupt system availability through resource exhaustion.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14333 primarily involve updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the integer overflow conditions have been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should immediately apply security patches from their respective distributions, as the vulnerability affects the core binutils package that is fundamental to system operations. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation within applications that invoke readelf or similar utilities can provide defense-in-depth protection. Organizations should consider restricting access to readelf functionality in automated processing environments and implementing timeouts for binary analysis operations to prevent indefinite hanging conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all input data in security-sensitive applications, particularly when processing structured binary formats like ELF files. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and system hardening practices should be implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation scenarios.