CVE-2017-15025 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, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and application crash) via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15025 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the decode_line_info function located in dwarf2.c. This library component is part of GNU Binutils 2.29 and serves as a critical foundation for binary file manipulation and analysis across numerous security tools and development environments. The flaw manifests as a divide-by-zero error that occurs when processing specially crafted ELF files, fundamentally undermining the stability and reliability of applications that depend on BFD for binary analysis operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the dwarf2.c file where the decode_line_info function fails to properly handle malformed data structures in ELF files. When a maliciously constructed ELF file is processed, the function attempts to perform a division operation using a value that evaluates to zero, resulting in an immediate system crash. This type of error represents a classic software defect pattern that aligns with CWE-369, which specifically addresses the division by zero vulnerability category. The flaw operates at the core of binary analysis functionality, where BFD serves as a universal interface for reading and writing object files, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt security tool operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can severely compromise the integrity of security analysis workflows that depend on BFD-based tools such as objdump, readelf, and various malware analysis frameworks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting ELF files that trigger the divide-by-zero condition, causing applications to crash and potentially leading to information disclosure or system instability. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where BFD is integrated into security tools, development environments, and automated analysis systems, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these components for binary file inspection and reverse engineering tasks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15025 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GNU Binutils installations to version 2.30 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the divide-by-zero condition. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input sanitization for ELF file processing, deployment of network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of binary exploitation techniques to cause application crashes, and demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security toolchains to prevent exploitation of foundational library vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should include comprehensive testing of patched environments to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate binary processing operations while maintaining the robustness of security infrastructure components.