CVE-2017-16828 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The display_debug_frames function in dwarf.c in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (integer overflow and heap-based buffer over-read, and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted ELF file, related to print_debug_frame.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16828 resides within the GNU Binutils 2.29.1 toolkit, specifically in the dwarf.c source file where the display_debug_frames function operates. This flaw manifests as a critical security issue affecting the processing of ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files through the print_debug_frame functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic handling within the debug frame processing code, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted ELF files can trigger unpredictable behavior in the affected software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing debug frame information within ELF files. When the display_debug_frames function encounters malformed debug frame data, it fails to properly validate integer values used for buffer calculations, leading to an integer overflow that subsequently causes a heap-based buffer over-read condition. This occurs because the function calculates buffer sizes based on potentially manipulated debug frame data without proper bounds checking, resulting in memory access violations that crash the application or potentially allow for more severe exploitation scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that process or analyze ELF files, particularly in development environments, security tools, and automated analysis systems. The denial of service impact means that legitimate applications relying on binutils for debugging or analysis capabilities could be disrupted by malicious ELF files, while the unspecified other impacts suggest potential for more serious consequences including arbitrary code execution or information disclosure. The vulnerability affects any system running GNU Binutils 2.29.1 where ELF files are processed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted files might be analyzed or where automated processing of binary files occurs.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001, representing command and scripting interpreter execution, as it could enable adversaries to craft malicious ELF files that disrupt legitimate processes. Additionally, it corresponds to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, as the vulnerability can be exploited to cause service disruption through crafted file processing. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils, implementing file validation controls, and establishing sandboxed environments for processing untrusted ELF files to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical software components, particularly those handling binary formats that are commonly processed in development and security analysis environments. The integer overflow and buffer over-read conditions highlight the need for comprehensive memory safety testing and validation of all arithmetic operations in binary parsing code. The potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that this vulnerability may serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, making immediate remediation essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing potential escalation to full system compromise.