CVE-2017-6966 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
readelf in GNU Binutils 2.28 has a use-after-free (specifically read-after-free) error while processing multiple, relocated sections in an MSP430 binary. This is caused by mishandling of an invalid symbol index, and mishandling of state across invocations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6966 represents a critical use-after-free condition in GNU Binutils 2.28's readelf utility when processing MSP430 binary files. This specific read-after-free error occurs during the handling of multiple relocated sections within the target binary, creating a dangerous memory access pattern that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw manifests when the utility encounters invalid symbol indices during its processing routine, resulting in improper memory management and state handling across multiple invocations.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate validation of symbol indices within the MSP430 binary processing pipeline. When readelf encounters malformed or invalid symbol references, the memory management routines fail to properly handle the error conditions, leading to memory regions being freed while still referenced by subsequent operations. This improper state management across multiple processing invocations creates a persistent vulnerability that can be exploited through carefully crafted input files. The vulnerability specifically affects the MSP430 architecture support within Binutils, making it particularly relevant for embedded systems development and reverse engineering activities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to security-conscious environments where binary analysis tools are extensively used. Attackers could potentially craft malicious MSP430 binaries that trigger the use-after-free condition when processed by readelf, enabling remote code execution or denial of service attacks. The impact extends beyond simple tool crashes, as this vulnerability could be leveraged in supply chain attacks where compromised binaries are analyzed using standard security tools. Organizations relying on GNU Binutils for security analysis, firmware inspection, or embedded development workflows face potential exposure through this memory corruption vulnerability.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command-line interfaces where the affected tool is invoked. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of GNU Binutils to version 2.29 or later where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper memory management and symbol index validation. System administrators should also implement input validation controls and sandboxing measures when processing untrusted binary files through readelf. Additionally, organizations should consider alternative binary analysis tools or implement additional security controls around the use of vulnerable utilities in automated security workflows to prevent exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability.