GNU binutils 2.28 ELF File readelf.c Application type conversion

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in GNU binutils 2.28. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file readelf.c of the component ELF File Handler. Performing a manipulation as part of Application results in type conversion. This vulnerability is reported as CVE-2017-9042. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. No exploit exists. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in GNU binutils 2.28 (Programming Tool Software). This affects some unknown processing of the file readelf.c of the component ELF File Handler. The manipulation as part of a Application leads to a type conversion vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-704. The product does not correctly convert an object, resource, or structure from one type to a different type. This is going to have an impact on availability. The summary by CVE is:

readelf.c in GNU Binutils 2017-04-12 has a "cannot be represented in type long" issue, which might allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted ELF file.

The bug was discovered 05/12/2017. The weakness was disclosed 05/18/2017 (Website). The advisory is shared at blogs.gentoo.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2017-9042 since 05/17/2017. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 5 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $0-$5k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 103270 (GLSA-201709-02 : Binutils: Multiple vulnerabilities), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Gentoo Local Security Checks and running in the context l. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 170587 (OpenSUSE Security Update for binutils (openSUSE-SU-2017:3199-1)).

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. A possible mitigation has been published 5 months after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (103270). The entries VDB-101453, VDB-101454, VDB-101455 and VDB-101456 are pretty similar. Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Programming Tool Software

Vendor

• GNU

Name

• binutils

Version

• 2.28

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.gnu.org/

CPE 2.3info

• 🔍

CPE 2.2info

• 🔍

CVSSv4info

CVSSv3info

CVSSv2info

Exploitinginfo

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Countermeasuresinfo

Timelineinfo

Sourcesinfo

Entryinfo

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Discussion