CVE-2025-69648 in Binutils
Summary
by MITRE • 03/09/2026
GNU Binutils thru 2.45.1 readelf contains a denial-of-service vulnerability when processing a crafted binary with malformed DWARF .debug_rnglists data. A logic flaw in the DWARF parsing path causes readelf to repeatedly print the same warning message without making forward progress, resulting in a non-terminating output loop that requires manual interruption. No evidence of memory corruption or code execution was observed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-69648 affects GNU Binutils version 2.45.1 and earlier, specifically within the readelf utility that is part of the widely-used binutils package. This issue represents a denial-of-service condition that arises during the processing of malformed DWARF debugging information contained in executable binaries. The affected component operates as a standard debugging tool used by developers and system administrators to examine binary files and their associated debugging data, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the tool's prevalence in development environments and security analysis workflows.
The technical flaw manifests in the DWARF parsing logic where the readelf utility encounters malformed .debug_rnglists data within debugging sections of binary files. This specific data structure contains range lists used for debugging information and represents a subset of the DWARF debugging format. The parsing routine fails to properly validate the structure of this data, leading to a logic error that causes the utility to enter an infinite loop of warning messages. The flaw occurs because the parser does not correctly handle boundary conditions or malformed data structures in the range lists section, causing it to repeatedly process the same data without advancing through the file parsing logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource consumption as it creates a persistent denial-of-service condition that can completely block legitimate use of the readelf utility. When an attacker or malicious actor presents a crafted binary containing the malformed DWARF data, the readelf tool becomes unresponsive and continues generating warning messages indefinitely until manually terminated by the user or system administrator. This behavior can be exploited in automated environments where readelf might be called programmatically, potentially leading to service disruption or resource exhaustion in systems that rely on this utility for binary analysis. The vulnerability does not result in memory corruption or code execution, but the persistent nature of the denial-of-service makes it particularly disruptive in operational contexts where binary analysis is routine.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which addresses infinite loops in software systems, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in security-critical tools. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Denial of Service technique, specifically involving the exploitation of software flaws to consume system resources or cause system unresponsiveness. Organizations using GNU Binutils should prioritize updating to version 2.45.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and enhanced error handling in the DWARF parsing routines. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing temporary mitigations such as restricting access to potentially malicious binaries or employing alternative binary analysis tools until the official update is deployed. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation in security tools, particularly those that process untrusted binary data, as even seemingly benign parsing errors can lead to significant operational disruptions.