CVE-2017-7614 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
elflink.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, has a "member access within null pointer" undefined behavior issue, which might allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via an "int main() {return 0;}" program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7614 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, a core component of GNU Binutils version 2.28. This flaw manifests as a member access within null pointer undefined behavior, representing a classic software vulnerability that can be exploited to disrupt system operations. The BFD library serves as a foundational element for handling various binary file formats, making it a critical component in toolchains that process executable and object files. When analyzing this vulnerability from a security perspective, it demonstrates how seemingly innocuous code paths can lead to significant operational disruptions. The issue occurs specifically within the elflink.c file, which handles linking operations for elf format binaries, indicating that the flaw is embedded in the core functionality responsible for processing executable file structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper null pointer validation during the processing of binary file metadata. When the BFD library attempts to access member variables of a null pointer structure, it triggers undefined behavior that can manifest as application crashes or potentially more severe consequences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered by seemingly benign input such as the simple "int main() {return 0;}" program, which represents a minimal valid c source code that should not pose any security risk. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through routine compilation processes without requiring sophisticated attack vectors. The undefined behavior aspect means that the actual impact can vary between different system configurations and execution environments, potentially allowing for more subtle exploitation techniques.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems that rely heavily on binary processing and compilation workflows. Organizations using GNU Binutils 2.28 in their build environments, development pipelines, or automated compilation systems face potential denial of service conditions that could disrupt critical operations. The vulnerability's ability to cause application crashes means that compilation processes could fail unexpectedly, leading to build failures, development delays, and potential security implications in environments where automated builds are crucial. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest that while immediate denial of service is the primary concern, there may be potential for more complex exploitation scenarios depending on the execution context and system configuration. This aligns with CWE-476, which categorizes null pointer dereference vulnerabilities as a significant security concern that can lead to system instability and potential privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7614 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the null pointer validation has been corrected. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to versions that contain the specific fix for the elflink.c file, as this addresses the root cause of the undefined behavior. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization in build environments can provide additional defense layers, although the primary fix must come from updating the affected library components. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual compilation failures or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where automated build systems are prevalent. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches in development toolchains, as these components often become attack surfaces when they process untrusted input during compilation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing or containment strategies for compilation environments to limit potential impact should other vulnerabilities be present in the toolchain.