CVE-2017-15225 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
_bfd_dwarf2_cleanup_debug_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 (memory leak) via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15225 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the _bfd_dwarf2_cleanup_debug_info function located in dwarf2.c. This library component is part of GNU Binutils version 2.29 and serves as a fundamental utility for handling binary file formats across various operating systems. The flaw manifests as a memory leak condition that can be triggered remotely through the manipulation of ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, making it particularly concerning for systems that process untrusted binary content. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper resource management where allocated memory is not properly deallocated during the cleanup phase of dwarf2 debugging information processing, creating a persistent memory consumption issue that can accumulate over time.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted ELF file is processed by tools that utilize the BFD library, such as objdump, readelf, or other binary analysis utilities. During the parsing and cleanup of DWARF debugging information contained within these files, the _bfd_dwarf2_cleanup_debug_info function fails to properly release allocated memory structures, resulting in a gradual consumption of system resources. This memory leak can be amplified when multiple files are processed or when the vulnerable tools are invoked repeatedly, potentially leading to system instability or complete denial of service conditions where available memory becomes exhausted. The flaw stems from inadequate error handling and memory management practices within the debugging information cleanup routines, which are designed to handle complex symbolic debugging data structures typical in compiled executables.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15225 extends beyond simple resource exhaustion, as it can affect a wide range of systems that depend on GNU Binutils for binary file analysis and manipulation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in scenarios involving automated binary analysis systems, security scanning tools, or any environment where untrusted ELF files might be processed without proper validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in server environments where file processing is automated, as it can lead to gradual system degradation or complete service disruption. Systems that process large volumes of binary content, such as software distribution platforms, security monitoring solutions, or compilation environments, face significant risk from this memory leak condition. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-401, which categorizes improper resource management issues, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for resource exhaustion attacks, where adversaries consume system resources to disrupt operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15225 primarily involve updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils, specifically versions 2.30 or later where the memory leak has been addressed through proper memory deallocation routines. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running binary analysis tools that utilize the BFD library. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation procedures, sandboxing binary file processing, and monitoring system resource consumption for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-based defenses should focus on preventing unauthorized file uploads or processing of untrusted binary content, while host-based solutions should monitor for memory consumption anomalies in processes that handle ELF files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in security-critical libraries and underscores the need for comprehensive testing of resource handling routines in binary processing utilities.