CVE-2018-7568 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The parse_die function in dwarf1.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.30, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (integer overflow and application crash) via an ELF file with corrupt dwarf1 debug information, as demonstrated by nm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7568 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library's dwarf1.c component, specifically affecting GNU Binutils version 2.30. This issue manifests when processing ELF files containing corrupted DWARF1 debug information, creating a remote denial of service condition that can crash applications utilizing the affected library. The BFD library serves as a fundamental component for handling various binary file formats, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can impact numerous security tools and system utilities that depend on proper binary analysis capabilities. The flaw specifically resides in the parse_die function which fails to properly validate integer values during the parsing of debug information structures, leading to arithmetic overflow conditions that ultimately result in application crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of debug information within ELF files, where the parse_die function attempts to process debug information entries without adequate bounds checking on integer values that control memory allocation and processing loops. When encountering malformed DWARF1 debug data, the function performs arithmetic operations that exceed the maximum representable value for the integer type, causing an overflow condition that corrupts program execution flow. This overflow typically occurs during the calculation of memory requirements or iteration counts based on corrupted debug metadata, resulting in buffer overflows or invalid memory access patterns that trigger application termination. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through the processing of maliciously crafted ELF files, making it exploitable in scenarios where automated tools or security applications process untrusted binary content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7568 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it undermines the reliability and security of binary analysis tools that form the foundation of many security operations. Tools such as nm, objdump, and other utilities that rely on BFD for file analysis become vulnerable to crashes when processing compromised binaries, potentially disrupting security audits, forensic investigations, and system administration tasks. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for the execution of malicious code through compromised binaries. The vulnerability affects the integrity of security toolchains since it can be exploited to prevent legitimate security analysis operations, creating a scenario where security professionals cannot rely on standard tools to process potentially malicious files without risking system instability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7568 focus on both immediate patching and operational hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to GNU Binutils version 2.31 or later, where the integer overflow vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking in the dwarf1.c file. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems utilizing BFD-dependent tools receive the necessary updates. Additionally, defensive measures include implementing strict file validation procedures before processing binary content, particularly in automated security scanning environments. Security teams should consider deploying sandboxed environments for binary analysis and implementing file type detection to identify potentially malicious debug information before it reaches vulnerable parsing functions. Network security controls can be enhanced to filter or quarantine suspicious ELF files, while system administrators should monitor for unusual application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in security-critical libraries and demonstrates how seemingly minor parsing flaws can have significant operational impacts on system security posture.