GNU binutils 2.29.1 readelf.c load_debug_section memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in GNU binutils 2.29.1. This issue affects the function load_debug_section of the file readelf.c. Such manipulation leads to memory corruption. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2017-17126. The attack can only be performed from a local environment. No exploit is available. Upgrading the affected component is advised.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in GNU binutils 2.29.1 (Programming Tool Software). Affected by this issue is the function load_debug_section of the file readelf.c. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to 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. Impacted is availability. CVE summarizes:

The load_debug_section function in readelf.c in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid memory access and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via an ELF file that lacks section headers.

The bug was discovered 11/28/2017. The weakness was published 12/04/2017 (Website). The advisory is shared for download at sourceware.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2017-17126 since 12/04/2017. The attack may be launched remotely. No form of authentication is required for exploitation. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

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). Similar entries are available at VDB-107299, VDB-110111, VDB-110175 and VDB-110176. Once again VulDB remains the best source 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/

CPE 2.3info

• 🔍

CPE 2.2info

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Entryinfo

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

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