CVE-2017-14939 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
decode_line_info in dwarf2.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29, mishandles a length calculation, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted ELF file, related to read_1_byte.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14939 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the dwarf2.c component of GNU Binutils version 2.29. This flaw represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted ELF files. The issue stems from improper handling of length calculations during the decoding of line information within DWARF debugging data structures, which are commonly embedded in executable files to provide debugging information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core component of the GNU toolchain that is widely used for binary file manipulation and analysis across various systems and development environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the decode_line_info function's inadequate validation of length parameters when processing binary data from ELF files. When the BFD library encounters a crafted ELF file containing malformed DWARF debugging information, the read_1_byte function fails to properly calculate the expected data length, leading to a buffer over-read condition on the heap memory. This improper length handling allows attackers to manipulate memory access patterns that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in unpredictable behavior including application crashes and potential memory corruption. The vulnerability operates at the level of binary file parsing and memory management, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by processing an untrusted ELF file without any additional user interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14939 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged to cause application instability and system reliability issues across platforms that utilize GNU Binutils. Systems running applications that depend on BFD for binary analysis, such as debuggers, disassemblers, and security tools, become vulnerable to remote exploitation through malicious file processing. This vulnerability affects a wide range of software ecosystems including development environments, security scanners, and binary analysis tools that rely on the BFD library for processing executable formats. The heap-based buffer over-read creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation scenarios where memory corruption could be exploited further, though the immediate impact manifests as reliable denial of service conditions that disrupt normal system operations and application functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14939 should focus on immediate patching of affected GNU Binutils installations to version 2.30 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper length validation in the decode_line_info function. System administrators should implement comprehensive file validation procedures for ELF files received from untrusted sources, particularly in environments where binary analysis tools are actively used. Network security controls can be enhanced to filter or quarantine suspicious ELF files before they reach systems that process such binaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length parameters, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for the execution of malicious code through file processing. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for binary analysis tools to contain potential exploitation attempts and reduce the attack surface for such memory corruption vulnerabilities.