CVE-2017-9039 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
GNU Binutils 2.28 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) via a crafted ELF file with many program headers, related to the get_program_headers function in readelf.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9039 represents a significant denial of service flaw within GNU Binutils version 2.28, specifically affecting the readelf utility. This issue manifests when processing specially crafted ELF files containing an excessive number of program headers, creating a scenario where the application consumes excessive memory resources. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the get_program_headers function located in the readelf.c source file, which fails to properly handle or limit the processing of malformed input files. The flaw operates at the binary analysis level where readelf attempts to parse and display program header information from ELF executables, making it particularly concerning for security tools and system administrators who rely on this utility for binary inspection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts an ELF file containing an unusually high number of program headers, typically in the thousands or tens of thousands, far exceeding normal executable structures. The get_program_headers function processes each header without adequate bounds checking or resource allocation limits, causing the memory consumption to grow exponentially with the number of program headers. This behavior creates a memory exhaustion condition that can lead to system instability, application crashes, or complete denial of service for systems running affected versions of GNU Binutils. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which categorizes improper handling of resources, and specifically relates to memory allocation issues where the system fails to properly manage memory consumption during processing of malformed input data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9039 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it affects critical security infrastructure and system administration tools. Organizations relying on readelf for binary analysis, security auditing, or malware analysis may experience complete system unavailability when processing maliciously crafted files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automated environments where security tools process large volumes of files, as a single malicious ELF file can cause cascading failures across multiple systems. This flaw can be exploited in various attack scenarios including phishing campaigns, malware distribution, or system compromise attempts where attackers seek to exhaust system resources through memory consumption attacks. The vulnerability also impacts compliance and audit processes where security teams depend on reliable binary analysis tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9039 focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to GNU Binutils version 2.29 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory management within the get_program_headers function. System administrators should implement file validation procedures that scan for suspicious ELF file structures before processing with readelf or similar utilities. Network security measures including intrusion detection systems and file integrity monitoring can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing resource limits and process isolation for security tools that process untrusted binary data, preventing memory exhaustion from affecting broader system operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under resource exhaustion techniques where adversaries leverage software flaws to consume system resources, making it important for organizations to monitor for such patterns in their security operations.