CVE-2017-9747 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The ieee_archive_p function in bfd/ieee.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, might allow 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. NOTE: this may be related to a compiler bug.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9747 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library component of GNU Binutils version 2.28. This issue manifests specifically in the ieee_archive_p function located in bfd/ieee.c, which serves as a crucial element in the handling of binary file formats. The vulnerability arises from inadequate bounds checking when processing specially crafted binary files, creating a scenario where maliciously constructed input can trigger memory corruption. The flaw is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through normal user operations involving the objdump utility with the -D flag, making it accessible to attackers who might simply need to present a malformed binary file to a system running affected software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of archive file structures during the ieee_archive_p function execution. When objdump -D processes a crafted binary file, the BFD library attempts to parse and analyze the file's internal structure without sufficient validation of buffer boundaries. This oversight allows an attacker to construct a file that exceeds expected buffer limits, causing memory corruption that results in application crashes or potentially more severe consequences. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and file format parsing, where insufficient input validation creates a path for buffer overflow conditions that can be leveraged for denial of service attacks. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows memory to be overwritten.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9747 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the affected system is part of larger attack chains. Systems that rely on objdump or similar tools for binary analysis, debugging, or security auditing become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability affects any system running GNU Binutils 2.28 or earlier versions, including development environments, security analysis platforms, and automated build systems that might process untrusted binary inputs. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt services by causing application crashes, potentially leading to system instability or resource exhaustion. The issue is particularly dangerous in automated environments where binary files might be processed without user intervention, creating opportunities for remote attackers to trigger these conditions through file uploads or other automated processing mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9747 should prioritize immediate software updates to GNU Binutils versions that contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should ensure that all instances of objdump and related BFD library components are updated to versions that have been verified as free from this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection layers when processing untrusted binary files. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish robust patch management procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting their systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles when executing binary analysis tools and ensure that automated processing of binary files occurs in isolated environments to minimize potential impact from successful exploitation attempts.