CVE-2017-17122 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The dump_relocs_in_section function in objdump.c found in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 has a vulnerability that can lead to denial of service or application crash. Attackers can exploit this issue through a carefully crafted PE file.

Understanding CVE-2017-17122

What is CVE-2017-17122?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 that allows remote attackers to trigger excessive memory allocation, heap-based buffer overflow, and potential denial of service by exploiting integer overflows in the reloc count.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17122

The vulnerability in dump_relocs_in_section function can have the following impacts:

Denial of service through excessive memory allocation
Heap-based buffer overflow leading to application crash

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17122

Vulnerability Description

The dump_relocs_in_section function in objdump.c in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 does not check for reloc count integer overflows, enabling attackers to cause denial of service or application crash by using a crafted PE file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: GNU Binutils 2.29.1
Systems using this version are vulnerable to the exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers through a carefully crafted PE file, triggering integer overflows in the reloc count and leading to denial of service or application crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the CVE-2017-17122 vulnerability, consider the following immediate actions:

Apply vendor patches or updates promptly
Implement proper input validation mechanisms

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, follow these practices:

Regularly update software and libraries
Conduct security audits and code reviews

Patching and Updates

Update to a patched version of GNU Binutils that addresses the integer overflow issue
Stay informed about security advisories and apply relevant patches in a timely manner