GNU elfutils 0.174 elf_begin.c read_long_names memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in GNU elfutils 0.174. Impacted is the function read_long_names of the file elf_begin.c. Executing a manipulation can lead to memory corruption. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2019-7148. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in GNU elfutils 0.174. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function read_long_names of the file elf_begin.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 availability. CVE summarizes:

An attempted excessive memory allocation was discovered in the function read_long_names in elf_begin.c in libelf in elfutils 0.174. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to cause a denial-of-service via crafted elf input, which leads to an out-of-memory exception.

The bug was discovered 01/15/2019. The weakness was published 01/29/2019 (Website). The advisory is shared for download at sourceware.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2019-7148 since 01/28/2019. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful 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 13 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $0-$5k. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 277651 (Fedora Security Update for elfutils (FEDORA-2019-44a9d99647)).

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

Similar entries are available at VDB-130298, VDB-130301, VDB-130302 and VDB-130696. Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Vendor

• GNU

Name

• elfutils

Version

• 0.174

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

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Discussion