CVE-2017-9753 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The versados_mkobject function in bfd/versados.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, does not initialize a certain data structure, 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 • 12/29/2020
The CVE-2017-9753 vulnerability resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the versados_mkobject function located in bfd/versados.c. This flaw affects GNU Binutils version 2.28 and represents a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can lead to severe operational consequences. The BFD library serves as a foundational component for handling various binary file formats, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can impact numerous tools that depend on this library for processing executable and object files. The vulnerability manifests when the versados_mkobject function fails to properly initialize a critical data structure, creating a scenario where subsequent operations on this uninitialized memory can result in unpredictable behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of crafted binary files that trigger the problematic code path during objdump -D execution. When a maliciously constructed file is processed, the uninitialized data structure causes the application to either experience a buffer overflow condition or encounter memory corruption that leads to application crashes. This uninitialized memory access pattern is categorized under CWE-457 as "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the uninitialized memory could potentially contain sensitive data from previous operations, leading to information disclosure or other unspecified security implications that attackers might exploit for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9753 is significant for systems that regularly process binary files through tools like objdump, which are commonly used in debugging, reverse engineering, and system administration tasks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services by causing application crashes, effectively creating a denial of service condition that can be particularly damaging in automated environments or security tools that rely on these utilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely through the processing of maliciously crafted files, making it a preferred target for attackers seeking to compromise systems that handle untrusted binary content. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1499.004 for Endpoint Denial of Service, demonstrating how uninitialized memory issues can enable both service disruption and potential information gathering activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9753 primarily involve updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the uninitialized memory issue has been resolved through proper initialization of the affected data structure. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those that process untrusted binary files or serve as part of automated security tooling chains. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for binary file processing, using sandboxing techniques when handling untrusted content, and deploying network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper memory management practices in security-sensitive code and demonstrates how seemingly minor initialization oversights can create substantial security risks that affect the broader ecosystem of tools depending on the affected library.