CVE-2017-7210 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
objdump in GNU Binutils 2.28 is vulnerable to multiple heap-based buffer over-reads (of size 1 and size 8) while handling corrupt STABS enum type strings in a crafted object file, leading to program crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7210 affects objdump, a component of GNU Binutils version 2.28, presenting a heap-based buffer over-read condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. This flaw specifically manifests when objdump processes corrupt STABS enum type strings within crafted object files, creating a critical security risk for systems that utilize this tool for binary analysis and debugging operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within objdump's handling of STABS debugging format data structures. When encountering malformed enum type strings in STABS sections, the program fails to properly bounds-check memory accesses, resulting in heap memory corruption. The over-read occurs at two distinct sizes, specifically 1 byte and 8 byte operations, indicating that the flaw exists across multiple memory access patterns within the parsing logic. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to heap corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7210 extends beyond simple program crashes, as it represents a potential vector for remote code execution in environments where objdump processes untrusted binary input. Attackers can craft malicious object files containing corrupted STABS data to trigger the buffer over-read conditions, potentially leading to system compromise through memory corruption exploits. The vulnerability affects systems using GNU Binutils 2.28 and earlier versions, making it particularly concerning for development environments, security analysis tools, and automated build systems that rely on objdump for binary inspection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected GNU Binutils installations to version 2.29 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper bounds checking of STABS data structures. System administrators should also implement strict input validation for binary files processed through objdump, particularly in automated environments where untrusted input may be present. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and script injection, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to execute malicious code through crafted binary inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running objdump with elevated privileges, reducing the potential attack surface for exploitation of this heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.