CVE-2017-17080 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
elf.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29.1, does not validate sizes of core notes, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (bfd_getl32 heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted object file, related to elfcore_grok_netbsd_procinfo, elfcore_grok_openbsd_procinfo, and elfcore_grok_nto_status.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17080 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library component of GNU Binutils version 2.29.1, specifically in the elf.c file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects the processing of ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) core dump files, particularly those generated by NetBSD, OpenBSD, and NTO (NuttX) operating systems. The vulnerability manifests as a heap-based buffer over-read condition that occurs during the parsing of core notes, which are metadata sections containing information about the process state at the time of program crash or termination.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the BFD library's handling of core note structures. When processing ELF core files, the library functions elfcore_grok_netbsd_procinfo, elfcore_grok_openbsd_procinfo, and elfcore_grok_nto_status fail to properly validate the size parameters of core notes before attempting to read from memory regions. This absence of size validation creates a scenario where maliciously crafted object files can trigger buffer over-read conditions, causing the application to access memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw operates at the memory management level, specifically exploiting heap-based buffer over-read vulnerabilities that are categorized under CWE-129 and CWE-787 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be exploited remotely by attackers to cause application crashes and potentially disrupt system availability. When a vulnerable application attempts to process a specially crafted ELF core file, the buffer over-read condition leads to memory corruption and subsequent application termination. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where automated tools or services process untrusted binary files, such as malware analysis platforms, build systems, or file upload mechanisms. The vulnerability affects any system running GNU Binutils 2.29.1 or earlier versions that process core dump files from the affected operating systems, creating a significant attack surface for remote exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17080 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and size checking mechanisms. System administrators should immediately upgrade to GNU Binutils version 2.30 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent processing of untrusted ELF core files, particularly those originating from external sources. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1489 for drive-by compromise, as it prevents exploitation through malicious file processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in security-critical libraries and underscores the need for comprehensive testing of binary parsing components against malicious inputs.