Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in Binutils: CVE-2018-19931
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2018-19931: An issue was discovered in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils through 2.31. Affects binutils versions < 2.32-r0. Fixed in 2.32-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
Binutils is a collection of binary tools used for creating, modifying, and analyzing binary files. It includes essential utilities such as 'as' (the assembler), 'ld' (the linker), and 'objdump' (for displaying information from object files). The package is widely used in software development and system programming. However, it has been found vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow, which can lead to severe security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, as distributed in GNU Binutils through version 2.31. The vulnerability arises from a heap-based buffer overflow in the function bfd_elf32_swap_phdr_in, located in elfcode.h. This occurs because the number of program headers is not properly restricted, allowing an attacker to exploit this flaw, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or system crashes.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.32-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade binutilsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate patching is not feasible, consider restricting access to the affected binaries or running them in a controlled environment to mitigate potential exploitation risks. Additionally, monitor your systems for any unusual activity that may indicate an attempted exploit.
Conclusion
CVE-2018-19931 represents a critical vulnerability in the Binutils package, specifically affecting versions up to 2.31. Users are urged to update to version 2.32-r0 or later to mitigate risks associated with this buffer overflow. Regular monitoring and updates are essential for maintaining system security.
See every vulnerability recorded for binutils →
FAQ
CVE-2018-19931 is a vulnerability in the Binutils package that allows for a heap-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score for CVE-2018-19931 is 7.8, indicating a high severity level.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or system crashes, posing significant security risks.
It is recommended to regularly check for updates and apply patches to your packages to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.
References
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