GNU Binutils aout_32_swap_std_reloc_out Function Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability [CVE-2018-14038]
CVE Number – CVE-2018-14038
A vulnerability 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 input validation error that exists in the aout_32_swap_std_reloc_outfunction, as defined in the aoutx.h source code file of the GNU Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library used by the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by supplying a crafted file to the targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause a segmentation fault that could result in a DoS condition on the targeted system.Proof-of-concept (PoC) code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.The vendor has not confirmed this vulnerability and software updates are not available.
Analysis
- 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.
Safeguards
- Administrators are advised to contact the vendor regarding future updates and releases.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.
Vendor Announcements
- At the time this alert was first published, the vendor had not released a security notice.
Fixed Software
- At the time this alert was first published, the vendor had not released software updates.
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.