CVE-2017-9040 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
GNU Binutils 2017-04-03 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash), related to the process_mips_specific function in readelf.c, via a crafted ELF file that triggers a large memory-allocation attempt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9040 resides within GNU Binutils, specifically affecting the readelf utility version released on April 3, 2017. This issue manifests as a denial of service condition that can be triggered remotely through maliciously crafted ELF files, demonstrating a critical weakness in the software's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used binary analysis tool that plays a fundamental role in system administration and software development environments across multiple operating systems and architectures.
The technical flaw occurs within the process_mips_specific function located in readelf.c, where the software fails to properly handle malformed ELF file structures during the processing of MIPS architecture-specific sections. When a crafted ELF file containing oversized or malformed data structures is processed, the function attempts to allocate memory for processing these structures without adequate bounds checking or validation. This leads to a NULL pointer dereference condition that causes the application to crash immediately upon encountering the malicious input, effectively rendering the readelf utility unusable for legitimate analysis tasks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a potential vector for denial of service attacks against systems that rely on readelf for binary analysis. Attackers can exploit this weakness by providing malicious ELF files to systems running vulnerable versions of GNU Binutils, causing the readelf utility to crash and potentially disrupting automated build systems, security scanning tools, or any application that depends on proper binary analysis capabilities. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where automated processing of binary files occurs, such as continuous integration pipelines, malware analysis systems, or security monitoring solutions that utilize readelf for file inspection.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that can be exploited through malformed data processing. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a denial of service technique, specifically under the T1499 category for network denial of service, though it operates through application-level exploitation rather than network-level attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign utility functions can become attack vectors when proper input sanitization is omitted, highlighting the importance of defensive programming practices and comprehensive testing of binary parsing routines. Organizations should prioritize updating their GNU Binutils installations to versions that address this specific NULL pointer dereference issue, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring special privileges or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in automated environments where binary file processing occurs without manual oversight.
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory allocation handling within the MIPS-specific processing code path, where the software assumes valid input structures without proper validation of size parameters or data integrity. This flaw underscores the complexity of binary format parsing, where different architectures require specialized handling that can introduce unique attack surfaces when not properly secured against malformed inputs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust input validation in security-sensitive applications, particularly those that process untrusted binary data, and emphasizes the importance of regular security updates and vulnerability management programs across all system components.