CVE-2017-9750 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
opcodes/rx-decode.opc in GNU Binutils 2.28 lacks bounds checks for certain scale arrays, which 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 • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9750 resides within the GNU Binutils 2.28 distribution, specifically in the rx-decode.opc file which handles opcode decoding for the Renesas RX architecture. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that occurs when the software fails to properly validate array bounds during the processing of scale factors within the opcode decoding mechanism. The issue manifests when the objdump utility attempts to disassemble binary files containing malformed RX architecture instructions, creating a scenario where attackers can craft malicious binary payloads designed to exploit this unchecked memory access pattern.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the RX opcode decoding subsystem where scale arrays are accessed without proper boundary checking. When objdump processes a specially crafted binary file, the decoder attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, and potential denial of service conditions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a subset of buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can be classified under the broader ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command-line interfaces. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to trigger the vulnerability through the processing of arbitrary binary files without requiring local privileges or user interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9750 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the buffer overflow conditions can potentially lead to more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution under certain circumstances. When objdump encounters the malformed input, the application crashes and terminates unexpectedly, rendering the utility unusable for legitimate purposes and effectively creating a denial of service condition for systems that rely on binutils for binary analysis. The vulnerability affects any system running GNU Binutils 2.28 where objdump or similar tools are used to analyze binary files, particularly in environments where untrusted binary data might be processed, such as software development pipelines, security analysis tools, or automated build systems. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively straightforward as it only requires crafting a specific binary file format that triggers the unchecked array access during disassembly operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9750 primarily involve upgrading to a patched version of GNU Binutils where the bounds checking has been properly implemented to prevent access beyond array boundaries. System administrators should prioritize updating their binutils installations to versions that contain the fix, typically GNU Binutils 2.29 or later, which includes proper array boundary validation in the RX opcode decoding routines. Additionally, organizations can implement defensive measures such as restricting execution of objdump on untrusted binary files through sandboxing or access controls, and employing automated binary analysis tools that can detect and quarantine potentially malicious input before processing. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in bounds checking can create significant security risks in system utilities that are widely used for debugging and analysis purposes.