CVE-2017-14529 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The pe_print_idata function in peXXigen.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29, mishandles HintName vector entries, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted PE file, related to the bfd_getl16 function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14529 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the pe_print_idata function located in peXXigen.c within GNU Binutils 2.29. This flaw represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited remotely through the careful crafting of PE (Portable Executable) files. The issue stems from improper handling of HintName vector entries, which are used during the processing of PE file headers and data structures. When BFD attempts to parse these malformed entries, it fails to properly validate the bounds of memory access, leading to a situation where the application reads beyond allocated heap memory regions. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses scenarios where programs read data beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when the bfd_getl16 function processes malformed PE file data structures, particularly those containing invalid HintName entries. The pe_print_idata function fails to validate the size and boundaries of these entries before attempting to access them, creating a scenario where heap memory adjacent to the allocated buffer is accessed. This over-read condition results in undefined behavior and typically manifests as application crashes or memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through the processing of malicious PE files, making it a significant threat to systems that handle untrusted binary content. Attackers can craft PE files with specially constructed HintName vectors that cause the BFD library to perform invalid memory reads, leading to denial of service conditions that can impact any application leveraging the affected BFD library. This vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as it can be exploited through the manipulation of binary file formats that are commonly processed by system utilities and security tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14529 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially be leveraged to cause more severe system instability or even facilitate further exploitation. Systems that process or analyze PE files, including security scanners, malware analysis tools, and automated binary processing systems, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability affects any software that depends on GNU Binutils for PE file handling, which includes numerous security tools, system utilities, and development environments. The heap-based buffer over-read creates an opportunity for memory corruption that could potentially be exploited further if combined with other vulnerabilities or if the target application has additional memory safety flaws. Organizations using affected versions of Binutils should consider the broader implications for their security infrastructure, as this vulnerability could be used to disrupt critical security operations or to gain unauthorized access to systems that process untrusted binary content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory boundary checking in security-critical libraries that handle binary file formats, as even seemingly minor flaws in parsing logic can have significant operational consequences. The remediation requires updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the HintName vector entries are properly validated before memory access occurs, preventing the buffer over-read condition from being triggered.