CVE-2017-14933 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
read_formatted_entries 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 (infinite loop) via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14933 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library component of GNU Binutils version 2.29. This issue specifically affects the read_formatted_entries function located in the dwarf2.c file, which serves as a core component for processing debugging information within binary files. The BFD library acts as a foundational element for various GNU tools including objdump, readelf, and gdb, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could impact multiple system utilities and security analysis tools that depend on proper binary parsing capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests through an infinite loop condition that occurs when processing specially crafted ELF files containing malformed dwarf debugging entries. When the read_formatted_entries function encounters these malformed entries, it fails to properly validate the input data structure, leading to a loop where the function continuously processes the same data without making forward progress. This behavior constitutes a classic denial of service vulnerability where legitimate system resources become consumed indefinitely, preventing the affected applications from processing additional files or performing their intended functions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-835, which specifically addresses the issue of infinite loops in software systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated processing or continuous monitoring is expected.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14933 extends beyond simple service disruption as it affects the reliability and availability of critical security infrastructure tools. Systems that rely on BFD-enabled tools for binary analysis, reverse engineering, or debugging operations could experience complete service unavailability when processing maliciously crafted files. This vulnerability particularly affects security analysts, penetration testers, and system administrators who use tools like objdump and readelf for routine system maintenance and security assessments. The infinite loop condition creates a resource exhaustion scenario where CPU cycles are consumed indefinitely, potentially leading to system instability or complete system hangs, especially in automated environments where these tools are invoked repeatedly.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected GNU Binutils installations to version 2.30 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate dwarf debugging entries and prevent the infinite loop condition. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input validation for binary files processed by BFD-dependent tools, implementing timeouts for processing operations, and establishing file type verification before analysis. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in security-critical libraries. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for binary analysis tools to prevent the infinite loop from affecting the broader system, and establish monitoring protocols to detect abnormal resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security libraries and the potential impact that seemingly minor flaws in foundational components can have on entire security toolchains.