CVE-2018-12698 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
demangle_template in cplus-dem.c in GNU libiberty, as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.30, allows attackers to trigger excessive memory consumption (aka OOM) during the "Create an array for saving the template argument values" XNEWVEC call. This can occur during execution of objdump.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2023
CVE-2018-12698 represents a memory consumption vulnerability affecting GNU libiberty's demangle_template function within the cplus-dem.c source file. This flaw exists in GNU Binutils 2.30 and specifically targets the XNEWVEC memory allocation call that occurs during template argument value saving operations. The vulnerability manifests when objdump processes malformed or specially crafted input files, causing the system to allocate excessive memory resources that can lead to out-of-memory conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory allocation controls within the demangling process. When objdump encounters certain template-based symbol names during binary analysis, the demangle_template function attempts to create arrays for storing template argument values without adequate bounds checking. This results in uncontrolled memory expansion where the system allocates memory proportional to the malformed input complexity rather than a reasonable expected size. The XNEWVEC macro specifically triggers this behavior by allocating memory based on input parameters that can be manipulated by attackers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant denial-of-service risk that can affect systems processing binary files through objdump or related tools. Attackers can craft malicious input files that, when processed by objdump, cause the utility to consume excessive memory resources until system performance degrades or the process terminates due to memory exhaustion. This affects not only individual systems but can also impact automated build and analysis pipelines where objdump is used programmatically, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt continuous integration workflows or security analysis processes.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-772, which describes "Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime," and demonstrates poor resource management practices in memory allocation routines. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this maps to T1499.004, "File System Wipe," and T1070.004, "File Deletion," as the excessive memory consumption can effectively render systems unusable through resource exhaustion. The flaw also relates to T1589.002, "Resource Hijacking," as it consumes system resources that could otherwise be used for legitimate operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on input validation and memory allocation limits within the affected components. System administrators should upgrade to GNU Binutils versions that contain patches addressing this vulnerability, specifically versions 2.31 and later where the memory allocation behavior has been corrected. Additionally, implementing resource limits on objdump execution through process control mechanisms can help prevent complete system exhaustion. Network-based protections should include monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns during binary analysis operations, and automated systems should implement timeouts and memory usage thresholds to prevent exploitation. The patch typically involves adding proper bounds checking to the demangle_template function and implementing more conservative memory allocation strategies that prevent unbounded growth in memory consumption during template demangling operations.