CVE-2017-12451 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-12451, a vulnerability in GNU Binutils BFD library allowing remote attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds stack read via a crafted COFF image file. Find mitigation steps here.
The function _bfd_xcoff_read_ar_hdr in bfd/coff-rs6000.c and bfd/coff64-rs6000.c files within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (libbfd) in GNU Binutils versions 2.29 and earlier is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds stack read attack via a specially crafted COFF image file.
Understanding CVE-2017-12451
This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in the BFD library of GNU Binutils that could be exploited remotely.
What is CVE-2017-12451?
The _bfd_xcoff_read_ar_hdr function in specific files of the BFD library allows remote attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds stack read by providing a malicious COFF image file.
The Impact of CVE-2017-12451
This vulnerability could be exploited by remote attackers to cause an out-of-bounds stack read, potentially leading to unauthorized access or information disclosure.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-12451
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The _bfd_xcoff_read_ar_hdr function in bfd/coff-rs6000.c and bfd/coff64-rs6000.c in the BFD library of GNU Binutils versions 2.29 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause an out-of-bounds stack read via a crafted COFF image file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: All versions of GNU Binutils up to and including 2.29
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by delivering a specially crafted COFF image file to trigger an out-of-bounds stack read.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-12451 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches or updates provided by GNU Binutils to address the vulnerability.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to affected systems.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Ensure that all systems running GNU Binutils are updated to versions beyond 2.29 to eliminate the vulnerability.