CVE-2018-18606 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-18606, a vulnerability in the merge_strings function in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library in GNU Binutils version 2.31, allowing remote attackers to trigger a denial-of-service condition.
A problem has been detected in the merge_strings function in merge.c within the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library, specifically in GNU Binutils version 2.31. The issue arises from a NULL pointer dereference occurring in _bfd_add_merge_section when attempting to merge sections with significant alignments. Exploiting this vulnerability requires the use of a specifically crafted ELF, allowing remote attackers to trigger a denial-of-service condition. This has been demonstrated by the ld tool.
Understanding CVE-2018-18606
This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library in GNU Binutils version 2.31.
What is CVE-2018-18606?
CVE-2018-18606 is a vulnerability in the merge_strings function in the BFD library, leading to a NULL pointer dereference when merging sections with large alignments. It can be exploited by remote attackers using a crafted ELF file to cause a denial-of-service condition.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18606
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to trigger a denial-of-service condition by exploiting the NULL pointer dereference in the BFD library.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18606
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2018-18606 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue occurs in the merge_strings function in merge.c within the BFD library, affecting GNU Binutils version 2.31. It involves a NULL pointer dereference in _bfd_add_merge_section when merging sections with significant alignments.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: n/a
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions: GNU Binutils version 2.31
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers exploit the vulnerability by using a specially crafted ELF file.
- The vulnerability triggers a denial-of-service condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-18606 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor security advisories for updates and apply them promptly.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
- Implement network security measures to prevent remote exploitation.
Patching and Updates
- Check for patches and updates from the vendor to mitigate the CVE-2018-18606 vulnerability.