CVE-2018-20671 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
load_specific_debug_section in objdump.c in GNU Binutils through 2.31.1 contains an integer overflow vulnerability that can trigger a heap-based buffer overflow via a crafted section size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20671 resides within GNU Binutils version 2.31.1 and earlier, specifically in the load_specific_debug_section function located in the objdump.c file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that arises from improper integer handling during the processing of debug sections within object files. The vulnerability manifests when the software encounters a crafted section size that triggers an integer overflow condition, which subsequently leads to a heap-based buffer overflow scenario. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions in applications that utilize the affected binutils components.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms within the debug section loading process. When objdump processes object files containing malformed debug sections, the function fails to properly validate section size parameters before allocating memory buffers. This integer overflow occurs when a maliciously crafted section size value exceeds the maximum representable value for the integer type used in the calculation, causing the subsequent buffer allocation to be insufficient for the actual data size. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software engineering practices and security controls, where improper boundary checking allows attackers to manipulate memory allocation behavior through carefully crafted input data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential code execution capabilities that could be leveraged by adversaries. Systems relying on GNU Binutils for object file analysis, debugging, or binary inspection processes become vulnerable when processing untrusted input files. Attackers could craft malicious object files with oversized debug sections that trigger the integer overflow condition, potentially enabling remote code execution if the vulnerable binutils components are used in network-facing applications or automated processing pipelines. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for memory corruption that could be exploited through various attack vectors including stack smashing, heap spraying, or other memory corruption techniques. This vulnerability affects the broader software supply chain since many development tools and security applications depend on binutils for processing and analyzing binary files, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals managing software development environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20671 primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of GNU Binutils where the integer overflow vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize updating their binutils installations to version 2.32 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing strict input validation procedures for object files processed by binutils applications can provide defense-in-depth protection. Security practitioners should also consider deploying runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a common pattern in software security that demonstrates the importance of proper integer handling and memory allocation practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution through software exploitation, making it relevant to defensive strategies focused on protecting development environments and automated build systems from malicious input processing.