CVE-2022-47008 in Binutils
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
An issue was discovered function make_tempdir, and make_tempname in bucomm.c in Binutils 2.34 thru 2.38, allows attackers to cause a denial of service due to memory leaks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47008 affects the binutils package versions 2.34 through 2.38, specifically within the bucomm.c source file where the functions make_tempdir and make_tempname are implemented. This issue represents a memory leak condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to consume system resources and potentially cause system instability. The flaw exists in the temporary directory and filename creation mechanisms that are fundamental components of the binutils suite used for object file manipulation and system-level operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the make_tempdir and make_tempname functions. When these functions are invoked during normal operation or during malicious input processing, they fail to properly release allocated memory resources. This memory leak occurs because the code does not consistently free dynamically allocated memory blocks that are created for temporary directory structures and naming operations. The issue is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through various input vectors that cause the binutils tools to generate temporary files or directories during processing. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-401: Improper Release of Memory Before Removing Last Reference, which specifically addresses memory management failures that lead to resource exhaustion. The vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables attackers to consume system resources and potentially cause denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-47008 extends beyond simple resource consumption, as it can affect system stability and availability in environments where binutils tools are frequently used. When attackers exploit this vulnerability through crafted inputs or by repeatedly invoking binutils commands that trigger the affected functions, the cumulative memory leaks can lead to system performance degradation, application crashes, or complete system unresponsiveness. This is particularly problematic in server environments or automated build systems where binutils tools are integral components of the infrastructure. The vulnerability affects any system running affected versions of binutils, including development environments, continuous integration systems, and production servers that rely on these tools for object file processing, linking, and other binary manipulation tasks. The memory leak nature of this vulnerability means that the impact grows over time, making it particularly dangerous in long-running systems or environments with high usage patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47008 should focus on immediate patching of affected binutils installations to versions that contain the memory management fixes. System administrators should prioritize updating their binutils packages to the latest releases that address this specific memory leak issue. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be implemented to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable binutils versions, particularly in environments where untrusted input processing occurs. The fix implemented in patched versions typically involves ensuring proper memory deallocation in the make_tempdir and make_tempname functions, using appropriate memory management patterns such as ensuring that every malloc or calloc operation has a corresponding free operation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from accumulating in their system environments. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the memory management fixes do not introduce regressions in functionality while effectively resolving the resource consumption issues.