CVE-2018-8945 in binutils
Summary
by MITRE
The bfd_section_from_shdr function in elf.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 (segmentation fault) via a large attribute section.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8945 resides within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in the bfd_section_from_shdr function located in elf.c. This critical flaw affects GNU Binutils version 2.30 and represents a denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by attackers. The BFD library serves as a fundamental component for handling various binary file formats, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given its potential to disrupt legitimate file processing operations. The flaw manifests when the library encounters a malformed ELF file containing a large attribute section, causing the application to crash with a segmentation fault.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the bfd_section_from_shdr function. When processing ELF sections, the function fails to properly validate the size and structure of attribute sections, leading to memory corruption during the section creation process. This improper handling of large attribute sections triggers a buffer overflow condition that ultimately results in a segmentation fault. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in memory management operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious ELF files with oversized attribute sections, causing any application that utilizes the affected BFD library to crash.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8945 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios including file processing pipelines, automated analysis systems, and security scanning tools that rely on BFD library functionality. Systems that process untrusted binary files, such as malware analysis platforms, package repositories, and continuous integration environments, become particularly vulnerable to this attack vector. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access, making it a significant concern for networked applications. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a critical weakness in the software supply chain since BFD is a core component used by numerous security tools and development utilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to GNU Binutils version 2.31 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those handling untrusted binary files or operating in security-sensitive environments. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures and file validation checks can provide defense-in-depth protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in security-critical libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of binary file handling components against malformed inputs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should include verification of BFD library versions and implementation of proper error handling for binary file processing operations.