CVE-2017-9761 in radare2
Summary
by MITRE
The find_eoq function in libr/core/cmd.c in radare2 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted binary file.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9761 resides within the radare2 reverse engineering framework version 1.5.0, specifically in the find_eoq function located in the libr/core/cmd.c file. This flaw represents a critical heap-based out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes a specially crafted binary file that contains malformed data structures, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns that ultimately result in application crashes and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checking within the find_eoq function. When radare2 encounters a malformed binary file, the function fails to properly validate array indices or memory access boundaries before performing read operations on heap-allocated memory regions. This allows attackers to construct malicious input that causes the application to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in heap corruption and subsequent application termination. The flaw operates at the core level of the application's binary analysis capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during routine file processing operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for security researchers, forensic analysts, and developers who rely on radare2 for binary analysis. The denial of service condition can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including automated scanning systems, web-based analysis platforms, or collaborative reverse engineering environments where users might inadvertently open malicious files. The vulnerability affects the availability and reliability of the radare2 framework, potentially disrupting critical security analysis workflows and forensic investigations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to prevent legitimate users from performing their analysis tasks, effectively creating a service disruption that impacts security operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1489, which involves denial of service through resource exhaustion or corruption. Organizations using radare2 for security research, penetration testing, or malware analysis should consider this vulnerability as a critical risk that could be exploited in targeted attacks against security tooling. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromising the integrity of security analysis processes that depend on stable tooling environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9761 include immediate upgrading to radare2 version 1.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the heap-based out-of-bounds read condition. System administrators should implement input validation measures to restrict processing of untrusted binary files and consider deploying sandboxing techniques to isolate radare2 execution environments. Additionally, organizations should establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in reverse engineering tools. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper boundary checks and input validation within the find_eoq function, preventing unauthorized memory access patterns that previously led to application crashes.