Description
The allocate_elf function in common.h in elfutils before 0.168 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted ELF file, which triggers a memory allocation failure.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | elfutils | 0.168-0.2 | — |
| Debian 13 | elfutils | 0.168-0.2 | — |
| Debian 12 | elfutils | 0.168-0.2 | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | elfutils | 0.165-3ubuntu1.1 | USN-3670-1 |
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | elfutils | 0.158-0ubuntu5.3 | USN-3670-1 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 12 SP4 | elfutils | 0.158-7.7.2 | SUSE-SU-2019:1733-1 |
| SLES 12 SP3 | elfutils | 0.158-7.7.2 | SUSE-SU-2019:1733-1 |
Show 2 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES for SAP 12 SP4 | elfutils | 0.158-7.7.2 | SUSE-SU-2019:1733-1 |
| SLES for SAP 12 SP3 | elfutils | 0.158-7.7.2 | SUSE-SU-2019:1733-1 |
Advisories 2
- USN-3670-1 elfutils vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2019:1733-1 Security update for elfutils SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- USN-3670-1 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20170322 Re: elfutils: memory allocation failure in allocate_elf (common.h) mailing-list
- GLSA-201710-10 vendor-advisory
- https://blogs.gentoo.org/ago/2016/11/04/elfutils-memory-allocation-failure-in-allocate_elf-common-h/
- [elfutils-devel] 20161024 [PATCH] libelf: Always set ELF maxsize when reading an ELF file for sanity checks. mailing-list