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HIGH

binutils: heap-based buffer overflow in function process_mips_specific in readelf.c

Published Feb 24, 2019

Description

An issue was discovered in GNU Binutils 2.32. It is a heap-based buffer overflow in process_mips_specific in readelf.c via a malformed MIPS option section.

Affected products

Remediation

Red Hat statement

This vulnerability in GNU Binutils is considered moderate. While it involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the process_mips_specific function, successful exploitation requires the attacker to craft a specific malformed MIPS option section within a binary ELF file. This scenario limits the attack vector to files that the user explicitly processes with readelf, rather than making it exploitable through network services or untrusted inputs. Moreover, binutils does not handle privileged operations, meaning exploitation is unlikely to lead to system compromise or escalation of privileges. Additionally, the impact is localized to the application itself, without affecting the broader system or network security.

Red Hat mitigation

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.

Metrics

References (12)

Change history (0)

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Sources
CVE.org / MITRE
Status PUBLISHED
Assigner mitre
Published Feb 24, 2019
Updated Aug 4, 2024
Reserved Feb 23, 2019
NVD
Status Modified
Modified Jun 17, 2026
Red Hat
Severity Moderate
Public date Feb 20, 2019