CVE-2022-47010 in Binutils
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
An issue was discovered function pr_function_type in prdbg.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 • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47010 resides within the Binutils package, specifically in the pr_function_type function located in the prdbg.c source file. This issue affects Binutils versions ranging from 2.34 through 2.38, representing a significant portion of the widely-used binary utilities suite that includes tools like objdump, nm, and readelf. The flaw manifests as a memory leak condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to consume system resources and potentially cause system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Binutils is a fundamental component of the toolchain used in software development and system administration, making it a critical element in the security posture of numerous computing environments.
The technical flaw in pr_function_type function stems from improper memory management during debugging information processing. When the function handles certain debug data structures, it fails to properly release allocated memory resources, leading to gradual memory consumption over time. This memory leak occurs during the processing of program debugging information, particularly when parsing function type information within object files. The vulnerability is classified as a memory leak under CWE-401, which specifically addresses the improper management of memory resources in software applications. The issue is particularly insidious because it does not immediately crash the system but instead gradually degrades performance until the system becomes unresponsive due to memory exhaustion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can affect the stability of systems that rely heavily on Binutils for debugging and analysis tasks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious object files or debug data that triggers the memory leak when processed by tools within the Binutils suite. This could lead to systems becoming unresponsive, particularly in environments where continuous debugging operations occur or where automated tools process large numbers of binary files. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers resource exhaustion attacks targeting memory resources. Systems running continuous build processes, automated testing environments, or security analysis tools that frequently utilize Binutils are particularly at risk, as the memory leak can accumulate over time and eventually lead to system crashes or degraded performance that impacts legitimate operations.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2022-47010 include immediate upgrading to Binutils version 2.39 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the memory leak issue. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to track memory consumption patterns in environments where Binutils tools are actively used, allowing for early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be implemented when processing external binary files through Binutils tools to prevent exploitation through malformed debug data. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their toolchains to identify similar memory management issues and ensure that all system components are updated with the latest security patches. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating automated processes that rely on Binutils to ensure they do not inadvertently expose systems to this vulnerability through routine operations.