CVE-2017-7608 in elfutils
Summary
by MITRE
The ebl_object_note_type_name function in eblobjnotetypename.c in elfutils 0.168 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted ELF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7608 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the elfutils library version 0.168, specifically within the ebl_object_note_type_name function located in the eblobjnotetypename.c source file. This vulnerability exposes systems that process ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files to potential denial of service attacks, where remote attackers can craft malicious ELF files designed to trigger the buffer over-read condition. The flaw occurs when the application attempts to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries while processing note sections within ELF binaries, creating a scenario where memory access violations can occur. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely through the processing of untrusted ELF files, making it applicable to various system components that utilize elfutils for binary analysis.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the ebl_object_note_type_name function, which handles the interpretation of note type names in ELF object files. When processing a crafted ELF file containing malformed note sections, the function fails to properly validate the length of note type data before attempting to read from memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This heap-based buffer over-read creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can manipulate the program flow by causing the application to access invalid memory addresses, ultimately leading to application crashes or potential information disclosure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to memory safety issues in system libraries that handle binary file formats.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7608 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can affect any system or application that relies on elfutils for ELF file processing, including system administration tools, security scanners, forensic analysis applications, and automated build systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services by causing applications to crash when processing malicious ELF files, potentially leading to system instability or complete service unavailability. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated processing of binary files occurs, such as package managers, malware analysis systems, or continuous integration pipelines that handle untrusted code. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to craft payloads that can cause system disruption through binary file manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7608 should focus on immediate patching of the affected elfutils library to version 0.170 or later, where the buffer over-read condition has been resolved through proper bounds checking implementation. System administrators should prioritize updating all systems that utilize elfutils for processing ELF files, particularly those handling untrusted binary content. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for ELF file processing, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for binary analysis, and monitoring for unusual application crashes or memory access violations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious ELF files, while maintaining comprehensive logging of binary file processing activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date system libraries and implementing robust input validation practices to prevent memory safety issues that can be exploited for denial of service attacks.