CVE-2018-18484 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A problem was found in the file cp-demangle.c of GNU libiberty, which is included in GNU Binutils version 2.31. The C++ demangling functions offered by libiberty experience Stack Exhaustion, resulting from a stack consumption issue caused by recursive stack frames: cplus_demangle_type, d_bare_function_type, and d_function_type.

Understanding CVE-2018-18484

What is CVE-2018-18484?

An issue was discovered in cp-demangle.c in GNU libiberty, as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.31. Stack Exhaustion occurs in the C++ demangling functions provided by libiberty, and there is a stack consumption problem caused by recursive stack frames: cplus_demangle_type, d_bare_function_type, d_function_type.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18484

This vulnerability can lead to Stack Exhaustion in the C++ demangling functions of libiberty, potentially causing denial of service or arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18484

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in cp-demangle.c of GNU libiberty, affecting GNU Binutils version 2.31. It results in Stack Exhaustion in the C++ demangling functions due to recursive stack frames.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: GNU Binutils version 2.31
Affected Component: GNU libiberty
Affected Functionality: C++ demangling functions

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited through recursive stack frames in the functions cplus_demangle_type, d_bare_function_type, and d_function_type.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor vendor advisories for updates and security patches.
Implement stack protection mechanisms to prevent stack exhaustion vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Update GNU Binutils to a version that includes the necessary security fixes.