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CVE-2017-6969: GNU Binutils: Buffer overflow

CVE-2017-6969 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.1 and affects GNU Binutils. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction.

Vulnerability description

readelf in GNU Binutils 2.28 is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer over-read while processing corrupt RL78 binaries. The vulnerability can trigger program crashes. It may lead to an information leak as well.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.1: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

• Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
• Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
• Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
• User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
• Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
• Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
• Integrity impact: None. No loss of integrity.
• Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read

The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

Affected products

• GNU Binutils: 2.28

References

• https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=21156
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97065
• https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201709-02