CVE-2018-12934 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
remember_Ktype in cplus-dem.c in GNU libiberty, as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.30, allows attackers to trigger excessive memory consumption (aka OOM). This can occur during execution of cxxfilt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12934 resides within the GNU libiberty library component of the GNU Binutils 2.30 distribution, specifically affecting the remember_Ktype function located in cplus-dem.c. This flaw represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited through memory exhaustion attacks. The issue manifests when the cxxfilt utility executes, which is commonly used for demangling C++ symbol names in binary files. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the demangling process where the remember_Ktype function fails to adequately constrain memory allocation based on input parameters, leading to unbounded memory consumption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-772, which describes insufficient resource management, specifically focusing on missing resource deallocation or improper resource management. The flaw occurs during the processing of C++ symbol names where the demangler attempts to maintain memory structures for type information. When attackers provide maliciously crafted input containing excessive or malformed symbol names, the remember_Ktype function continues to allocate memory without proper bounds checking, eventually consuming all available system memory. This behavior creates an out-of-memory condition that can cause the cxxfilt utility to crash or become unresponsive, effectively denying service to legitimate users.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12934 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios within software development and security analysis environments. Since cxxfilt is commonly used in debugging, reverse engineering, and binary analysis workflows, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability in continuous integration systems, automated build environments, or security analysis tools that rely on symbol demangling. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where untrusted binary input is processed, as it can be used to consume system resources and potentially disrupt critical infrastructure. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and resource management in security-sensitive components, as the issue can be triggered through seemingly benign symbol name processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12934 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive programming practices. The primary solution involves upgrading to GNU Binutils 2.31 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved memory management and input validation. Organizations should also implement input sanitization measures when processing symbol information, particularly in automated systems or those handling untrusted binary data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1499.004, which covers resource exhaustion attacks, emphasizing the need for proper memory allocation controls and monitoring for abnormal resource consumption patterns. Defensive measures should include implementing memory limits for processes that utilize cxxfilt, monitoring system resource usage, and establishing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized exploitation of this vulnerability in production environments.