CVE-2018-18484 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in cp-demangle.c in GNU libiberty, as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.31. Stack Exhaustion occurs in the C++ demangling functions provided by libiberty, and there is a stack consumption problem caused by recursive stack frames: cplus_demangle_type, d_bare_function_type, d_function_type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18484 represents a critical stack exhaustion issue within the GNU libiberty library, specifically affecting the C++ demangling functionality. This flaw exists in the cp-demangle.c file and impacts GNU Binutils version 2.31, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on binary analysis and debugging tools. The vulnerability stems from recursive function calls that consume excessive stack space, creating a potential denial of service condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The affected functions cplus_demangle_type, d_bare_function_type, and d_function_type demonstrate the recursive nature of the problem, where each function call adds to the stack depth without proper bounds checking or termination conditions.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a classic stack overflow condition caused by unbounded recursion in the demangling process. The CWE-674 classification applies directly to this issue, as it represents an uncontrolled recursion problem where the recursive calls to demangling functions can consume all available stack space. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1499.004, specifically denormalization of system resources, where an attacker can exhaust system resources through recursive operations. When a malformed or specially crafted input is processed through the demangling functions, each recursive call consumes stack frames, eventually leading to stack exhaustion and program termination. The recursive nature of these functions means that even moderately complex input can trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in automated analysis scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can affect any application or tool that depends on GNU Binutils for binary analysis, debugging, or symbol resolution. Systems processing binary files, especially those that might encounter corrupted or maliciously crafted binaries, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated binary analysis tools are deployed, as these systems may be subject to continuous input processing that could trigger the recursive stack consumption. Additionally, developers and security researchers using debugging tools that rely on libiberty may inadvertently expose their systems to this vulnerability during normal operations. The attack surface is broad since any application using GNU Binutils for symbol demangling, including compilers, debuggers, and binary analysis frameworks, could be affected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18484 primarily involve updating to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the recursive calls have been bounded or converted to iterative approaches. The recommended solution includes upgrading to GNU Binutils 2.32 or later, which contains fixes specifically addressing the stack exhaustion issue. System administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures when processing binary data through tools that depend on libiberty, particularly in environments where untrusted inputs may be processed. Additionally, monitoring for unusual stack consumption patterns and implementing resource limits on processes that utilize demangling functionality can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process binary inputs, as well as conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential recursion-based vulnerabilities in similar libraries and components.