CVE-2022-48065 in Binutils
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
GNU Binutils before 2.40 was discovered to contain a memory leak vulnerability var the function find_abstract_instance in dwarf2.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48065 resides within GNU Binutils, a collection of essential tools for handling object files and binary data in Unix-like systems. This memory leak occurs specifically within the dwarf2.c source file, which is responsible for processing DWARF debugging information format used in compiled programs. The flaw manifests in the find_abstract_instance function, which is part of the broader DWARF2 debugging data parsing capabilities that GNU Binutils employs when processing object files. This particular component plays a critical role in maintaining debugging symbol information for compiled applications, making it a significant target for exploitation in systems that rely heavily on proper debugging symbol handling.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the find_abstract_instance function where allocated memory is not correctly freed during the processing of DWARF debugging information. When GNU Binutils processes object files containing complex debugging data structures, particularly those with abstract instances in DWARF format, the function fails to release previously allocated memory blocks. This memory leak accumulates over time and can lead to substantial memory consumption, particularly when the tool processes multiple large object files or is invoked repeatedly in automated build processes. The vulnerability represents a classic memory leak pattern that falls under CWE-401, which specifically addresses improper release of memory resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource exhaustion, as it can significantly affect system stability and performance in environments where GNU Binutils is heavily utilized. Systems running continuous build processes, automated testing frameworks, or development environments that frequently invoke binutils tools may experience gradual degradation in performance due to the accumulating memory leaks. In extreme cases, this can lead to system instability, application crashes, or even complete system hangs when memory resources become exhausted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where GNU Binutils is used extensively for compiling, linking, and processing large codebases, as it can silently consume system resources without immediate visible symptoms, making detection challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48065 primarily focus on upgrading to GNU Binutils version 2.40 or later, where the memory leak has been addressed through proper memory management practices in the find_abstract_instance function. System administrators should prioritize updating their binutils installations as part of routine security maintenance procedures, particularly in environments where build automation or continuous integration pipelines rely heavily on these tools. Additional monitoring should be implemented to track memory consumption patterns of binutils processes, as this can help identify systems that may be affected by the vulnerability before performance degradation becomes critical. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes that ensure all instances of GNU Binutils are updated promptly when new security releases become available, aligning with best practices for maintaining secure software environments as recommended by various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for system hardening and vulnerability management.