CVE-2017-14934 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
process_debug_info in dwarf.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 that contains a negative size value in a CU structure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14934 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the process_debug_info function located in dwarf.c. This library component is part of GNU Binutils 2.29 and serves as a critical foundation for handling binary file formats across various tools including objdump, nm, and readelf. The flaw manifests when processing ELF files containing malformed debug information, creating a condition where the parsing logic enters an infinite loop due to improper validation of size parameters within compilation unit (CU) structures. This represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted binary files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the debug information processing pipeline. When the BFD library encounters a CU structure with a negative size value, the parsing algorithm fails to properly handle this invalid data, leading to a condition where loop termination criteria are never met. The infinite loop occurs because the code assumes all size values will be positive and uses these values directly in loop counters without proper bounds checking or error handling. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-835, which specifically addresses the issue of infinite loops in software implementations where loop termination conditions are not properly validated.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14934 extends beyond simple service disruption as it affects core system utilities that depend on BFD functionality. Any application or system that processes ELF files through tools utilizing libbfd becomes vulnerable to this attack vector, including security analysis tools, system diagnostics utilities, and automated build systems. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can craft malicious ELF files that, when processed by vulnerable systems, will cause indefinite resource consumption and system unresponsiveness. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running GNU Binutils 2.29 or earlier versions where the fix has not been implemented, creating widespread exposure across various computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate version updates to GNU Binutils 2.30 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly validate size parameters in debug information structures. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input sanitization for ELF files processed through affected tools, network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a security framework perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in system design. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a denial of service attack vector that leverages weaknesses in binary parsing libraries, emphasizing the need for robust error handling and input validation in low-level system components that process external data.