CVE-2018-16062 in elfutils
Summary
by MITRE
dwarf_getaranges in dwarf_getaranges.c in libdw in elfutils before 2018-08-18 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16062 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the dwarf_getaranges function of libdw, a core component of the elfutils library suite. This issue affects versions of elfutils prior to the 2018-08-18 release and presents a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely by attackers to cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically resides in the dwarf_getaranges.c source file where the function processes debugging information embedded within elf format files. The flaw occurs when the library attempts to parse malformed dwarf debugging information structures, leading to improper memory access patterns that exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the dwarf debugging information parsing logic. When a crafted elf file containing malformed dwarf entries is processed by libdw, the dwarf_getaranges function fails to properly validate the size and structure of the address range entries it encounters. This allows attackers to manipulate the parsing routine into reading memory beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially causing application crashes or system instability. The heap-based nature of the over-read indicates that the vulnerability operates within dynamically allocated memory regions, making it particularly challenging to predict and mitigate. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in memory management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-16062 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially be leveraged to disrupt critical system services that rely on elfutils for debugging and analysis operations. Systems utilizing libdw for processing elf files, including software development tools, system monitoring applications, and security analysis frameworks, become vulnerable to remote exploitation. The vulnerability's remote attack vector means that malicious actors can trigger the condition without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Applications such as debuggers, system profilers, and security scanners that depend on elfutils functionality could experience crashes or complete service interruptions when processing maliciously crafted elf files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected elfutils installations to versions released after August 18, 2018, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. System administrators should prioritize updating all systems that utilize libdw components, particularly those handling untrusted elf file inputs. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms that sanitize elf file contents before processing can provide an additional layer of protection. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for denial of service through resource exhaustion, though this particular case focuses on memory corruption rather than simple resource depletion. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious elf file patterns and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of software dependencies and maintaining updated vulnerability databases remain essential practices for preventing similar issues in the future.