CVE-2022-47673 in Binutils
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
An issue was discovered in Binutils addr2line before 2.39.3, function parse_module contains multiple out of bound reads which may cause a denial of service or other unspecified impacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47673 resides within the Binutils addr2line utility, specifically within the parse_module function of the software suite that provides tools for handling and manipulating object files. This issue affects versions prior to 2.39.3 and represents a critical security flaw that could potentially be exploited to disrupt system operations or cause unintended behavior. The addr2line tool serves as a crucial component for converting addresses into file names and line numbers, making it an essential utility for debugging and analysis purposes in software development environments. The vulnerability manifests as multiple out-of-bounds read operations that occur when the parse_module function processes input data, creating a potential attack surface for malicious actors seeking to exploit the software.
The technical flaw within the parse_module function demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition that arises from insufficient bounds checking during data processing. When addr2line encounters certain input patterns, the function fails to properly validate array indices before accessing memory locations, leading to out-of-bounds memory access violations. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious input that triggers memory access violations, potentially leading to program termination or unpredictable behavior. The out-of-bounds reads may also expose sensitive memory contents or create opportunities for information disclosure, depending on how the system handles the memory access violations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within systems that rely on Binutils for debugging and analysis operations. When exploited, the vulnerability could cause the addr2line utility to crash or behave unpredictably, disrupting debugging workflows and potentially affecting the integrity of software development processes. In environments where automated tools or scripts depend on addr2line functionality, such as continuous integration pipelines or security analysis frameworks, this vulnerability could lead to cascading failures that impact broader system operations. The vulnerability's potential for causing denial of service makes it particularly concerning for systems where availability is critical, as attackers could potentially disrupt debugging and analysis capabilities through crafted input sequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47673 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Binutils installations to version 2.39.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds read conditions. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Binutils and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additional protective measures include implementing input validation controls for any applications that invoke addr2line with untrusted data, as well as monitoring for unusual process behavior or crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and the critical need for thorough input validation in security-critical applications. Security teams should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation attempts targeting this type of memory corruption vulnerability.