CVE-2017-9752 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
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 in the _bfd_vms_get_value and _bfd_vms_slurp_etir functions during "objdump -D" execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9752 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, a core component of GNU Binutils version 2.28. This flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that can be triggered when processing specially crafted binary files through the objdump utility. The BFD library serves as a foundational element for handling various binary file formats, making it a critical component in software development and reverse engineering toolchains. When attackers supply maliciously constructed input files, the library fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during processing, leading to potential system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs specifically within the _bfd_vms_get_value and _bfd_vms_slurp_etir functions located in the bfd/vms-alpha.c file. These functions handle the parsing and interpretation of VMS (Virtual Memory System) binary formats, particularly targeting alpha architecture binaries. The flaw arises from inadequate bounds checking when reading data structures from the input file, allowing attackers to overflow predetermined buffer sizes. When objdump executes with the -D flag to disassemble binary content, these functions are invoked, creating a direct pathway for exploitation. The vulnerability exhibits characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also align with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9752 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios. While remote attackers can trigger application crashes and system instability through buffer overflow conditions, the vulnerability may also permit more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests possibilities for arbitrary code execution or information disclosure, particularly when the affected system processes untrusted binary files. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in automated processing environments, continuous integration pipelines, or security analysis tools that routinely handle diverse binary inputs. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through crafted binary files, making it applicable to scenarios where users might inadvertently process malicious files or where automated systems handle unverified input sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9752 should prioritize immediate software updates to patched versions of GNU Binutils, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement input validation controls that sanitize binary file processing, particularly when handling untrusted content through tools like objdump. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file processing patterns and automated scanning for vulnerable versions of binutils components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python', as it relates to command-line tool manipulation, though the actual exploitation involves binary format parsing rather than scripting. Additionally, implementing defensive measures such as sandboxing file processing operations, using privilege separation for binary analysis tools, and maintaining updated threat intelligence about similar vulnerabilities in related software components provides comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts.