GNU Binutils read_reloc Function Denial of Service Vulnerability [CVE-2018-18309]
CVE Number – CVE-2018-18309
A vulnerability in the read_reloc function in GNU Binutils could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to an invalid memory address dereference in the read_reloc function, as defined in the reloc.c source code file of the affected software. This dereference occurs because of insufficient bounds checking in the _bfd_clear_contents function. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting malicious input to the targeted system using the objdump command. A successful exploit could trigger a segmentation fault and cause the affected application to crash, resulting in a DoS condition.
Proof-of-concept (PoC) code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.
The vendor has confirmed the vulnerability and released a software patch.
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To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have user-level access to the targeted system. This access requirement may reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
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Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.
Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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The vendor has released a bug report and git commit at the following links: Bug 23770 and commit 0930cb3021b8078b34cf216e79eb8608d017864f
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The vendor has released a software patch at the following link: [PATCH] _bfd_clear_contents bounds checking
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Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.