CVE-2017-16358 in radare
Summary
by MITRE
In radare 2.0.1, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in string_scan_range() in libr/bin/bin.c when doing a string search.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16358 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the radare2 binary analysis framework version 2.0.1. This issue specifically affects the string_scan_range() function located in the libr/bin/bin.c source file, which is responsible for performing string searches within binary files. The vulnerability arises during the processing of binary data where the application fails to properly validate array bounds when scanning for strings, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds read conditions typically stem from insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the code's memory management operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when radare2 processes binary files containing malformed or specially crafted string data during its analysis phase. When the string_scan_range() function attempts to iterate through memory regions to identify string patterns, it does not adequately verify that memory access operations remain within the valid bounds of the allocated data structures. This flaw falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and can be classified as a variant of the broader CWE-787 out-of-bounds read vulnerability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal binary analysis operations without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it accessible to both malicious actors and accidental exploitation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16358 extends beyond simple application crashes or memory corruption, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors within the context of binary analysis workflows. When exploited, this vulnerability could cause the radare2 framework to crash or behave unpredictably during string search operations, disrupting legitimate analysis activities. The out-of-bounds read may also expose sensitive memory contents to unauthorized access, potentially revealing information about the application's internal state or other processes running on the system. In environments where radare2 is used for security research, malware analysis, or forensic investigations, this vulnerability could compromise the integrity of analysis results or provide attackers with opportunities to gain additional information about target systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as it represents a foundational weakness that could be leveraged for more advanced attacks within the analysis environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16358 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of radare2 where the string_scan_range() function has been properly validated to prevent out-of-bounds memory access. Users should immediately upgrade to radare2 version 2.0.2 or later, which includes the necessary boundary checks and input validation fixes. Additionally, system administrators should implement defensive measures such as restricting access to binary analysis tools in sensitive environments and monitoring for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability can also be addressed through input sanitization practices where binary files are validated before analysis, and through the implementation of memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. Organizations using radare2 for security research or forensic analysis should establish secure development practices and regularly audit their binary analysis workflows to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of their security toolchain.