Binutils objdump contains a denial-of-service vulnerability when processing a crafted binary with malformed DWARF debug_rnglists data. A logic error in the handling of the debug_rnglists header can cause objdump to repeatedly print the same warning message and fail to terminate, resulting in an unbounded logging loop until the process is interrupted. The issue was observed in binutils 2.44. A local attacker can exploit this vulnerability by supplying a malicious input file, leading to excessive CPU and I/O usage and preventing completion of the objdump analysis.
Weakness
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
Potential Mitigations
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.
Related Attack Patterns
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/147.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/227.html
- https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/492.html