GNU binutils 2.31.1 elfcomm.c process_archive ELF File use after free

| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.4 | $0-$5k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability was found in GNU binutils 2.31.1 and classified as critical. This issue affects the function process_archive of the file elfcomm.c. Such manipulation as part of ELF File leads to use after free.
This vulnerability is traded as CVE-2018-20623. An attack has to be approached locally. There is no exploit available.
Details
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in GNU binutils 2.31.1 (Programming Tool Software). Affected by this issue is the function process_archive of the file elfcomm.c. The manipulation as part of a ELF File leads to a use after free vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:
In GNU Binutils 2.31.1, there is a use-after-free in the error function in elfcomm.c when called from the process_archive function in readelf.c via a crafted ELF file.
The bug was discovered 12/31/2018. The weakness was shared 12/31/2018 (Website). The advisory is available at securityfocus.com. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2018-20623 since 12/31/2018. The attack may be launched remotely. No form of authentication is required for exploitation. Successful exploitation requires user interaction by the victim. Technical details are known, but there is no available exploit.
There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.
The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at SecurityFocus (BID 106370†). The entries VDB-128610 and VDB-129156 are related to this item. If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.gnu.org/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔍VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.4VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.4
VulDB Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
NVD Base Score: 5.5
NVD Vector: 🔍
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
| Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
| Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
NVD Base Score: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Use after freeCWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍
Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Yes
Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined
EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: no mitigation knownStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Timeline
12/31/2018 🔍12/31/2018 🔍
12/31/2018 🔍
12/31/2018 🔍
12/31/2018 🔍
01/01/2019 🔍
05/06/2025 🔍
Sources
Vendor: gnu.orgAdvisory: K38336243⛔
Status: Not defined
Confirmation: 🔍
CVE: CVE-2018-20623 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2018-20623
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-128594
SecurityFocus: 106370 - GNU Binutils CVE-2018-20623 Heap Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
See also: 🔍
Entry
Created: 01/01/2019 12:11Updated: 05/06/2025 21:48
Changes: 01/01/2019 12:11 (61), 04/25/2020 16:07 (4), 06/22/2023 14:56 (3), 06/22/2023 15:00 (1), 05/06/2025 21:48 (15)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
No comments yet. Languages: en.
Please log in to comment.