Buffer Over-Read Vulnerability in elfutils Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2019-7146: In elfutils 0.175, there is a buffer over-read in the ebl_object_note function in eblobjnote.c in libebl. Affects elfutils versions < 0.176-r0. Fixed in 0.176-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
The elfutils package is a collection of utilities and libraries for handling ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, which are commonly used in Unix-like operating systems. It provides tools for examining and manipulating ELF files, making it essential for developers and system administrators working with binaries. The package is widely used due to its robust functionality and support for various architectures. However, it has been found to be vulnerable to a buffer over-read issue that could be exploited by remote attackers.
Vulnerability Detail
In elfutils version 0.175, a buffer over-read vulnerability exists in the ebl_object_note function located in eblobjnote.c within the libebl library. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to craft malicious ELF files that, when processed, can lead to a denial-of-service condition. The technical implications of this vulnerability include the potential for application crashes and service interruptions, as the affected function does not properly validate input sizes, leading to memory access violations.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0.176-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade elfutilsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, avoid processing untrusted ELF files until the package is updated. Implement strict input validation and sanitization in applications that utilize elfutils to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Conclusion
The buffer over-read vulnerability in the elfutils package poses a risk of denial-of-service attacks through crafted ELF files. It is crucial to update to the patched version 0.176-r0 or later to mitigate this risk. Users should also consider using tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for elfutils →
FAQ
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a moderate level of severity.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
The primary consequence is a denial-of-service condition, which can disrupt services and affect application availability.
Yes, version 0.176-r0 and later are considered safe as they contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability.
If an immediate update is not possible, avoid processing untrusted ELF files and implement input validation to reduce risk.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for elfutils.
