GNU binutils 2.29.1 nm.c _bfd_elf_get_symbol_version_string memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in GNU binutils 2.29.1. This vulnerability affects the function _bfd_elf_get_symbol_version_string of the file nm.c. This manipulation causes memory corruption. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2017-17125. The attack can only be executed locally. There is no exploit available. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in GNU binutils 2.29.1 (Programming Tool Software). Affected by this vulnerability is the function _bfd_elf_get_symbol_version_string of the file nm.c. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

nm.c and objdump.c in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 mishandle certain global symbols, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (_bfd_elf_get_symbol_version_string buffer over-read and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted ELF file.

The bug was discovered 11/28/2017. The weakness was shared 12/04/2017 (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at sourceware.org. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2017-17125 since 12/04/2017. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploitation doesn't need any form of authentication. It demands that the victim is doing some kind of user interaction. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit.

The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 6 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $0-$5k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 119162 (GLSA-201811-17 : 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.

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. A possible mitigation has been published 2 years after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (119162). The entries VDB-107299, VDB-110111, VDB-110175 and VDB-110176 are related to this item. Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Programming Tool Software

Vendor

• GNU

Name

• binutils

Version

• 2.29.1

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.gnu.org/

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Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

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