CVE-2017-9745 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The _bfd_vms_slurp_etir function in bfd/vms-alpha.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer overflow and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted binary file, as demonstrated by mishandling of this file during "objdump -D" execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9745 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library component of GNU Binutils version 2.28, specifically in the _bfd_vms_slurp_etir function located in bfd/vms-alpha.c. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects the core functionality of the BFD library, which serves as a foundational component for various binary analysis tools including objdump, readelf, and other utilities that process executable files. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially crafted binary files that contain malformed VMS alpha architecture data structures, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system stability and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the _bfd_vms_slurp_etir function, which is responsible for parsing Extended Translation Information Record (ETIR) data structures in VMS alpha binary files. When objdump or similar tools encounter a maliciously constructed binary file, the function fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to copy or process it into internal buffers. This lack of proper input validation creates a classic buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or potentially more severe consequences. The flaw specifically impacts the handling of ETIR records which contain metadata about program sections and their memory layout, making it particularly dangerous when processing files that have been crafted to exploit this parsing weakness.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9745 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the vulnerability can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment and system configuration. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause applications like objdump to crash immediately upon processing the malicious file, resulting in a denial of service that affects legitimate users attempting to analyze binary files. However, the potential for more severe consequences exists when considering that the vulnerability could be leveraged in conjunction with other techniques to achieve arbitrary code execution, particularly in environments where the affected tools are used with elevated privileges or in automated processing pipelines. The vulnerability affects all systems running GNU Binutils 2.28 or earlier versions, making it particularly concerning for security-conscious organizations that rely on these tools for software analysis, debugging, and reverse engineering activities. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for systems that process untrusted binary data through the BFD library.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9745 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. The most effective approach involves upgrading to GNU Binutils 2.29 or later versions, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent the buffer overflow condition in the _bfd_vms_slurp_etir function. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as restricting the execution of binary analysis tools on untrusted files, using sandboxed environments for processing suspicious binaries, and implementing proper file validation procedures before analysis. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in objdump or similar tool usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution of malicious code through file processing and privilege escalation, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures that focus on binary analysis tool exploitation. The fix implemented in patched versions typically involves adding comprehensive input validation checks and ensuring that all buffer operations are properly bounded to prevent overflow conditions, aligning with defensive programming practices recommended for secure software development.