Description
elf.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29.1, does not validate sizes of core notes, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (bfd_getl32 heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted object file, related to elfcore_grok_netbsd_procinfo, elfcore_grok_openbsd_procinfo, and elfcore_grok_nto_status.
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 | binutils | 2.29.90.20180122-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | binutils | 2.29.90.20180122-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | binutils | 2.29.90.20180122-1 | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTS | binutils | 2.26.1-1ubuntu1~16.04.8+esm1 | USN-4336-2 |
| Ubuntu Pro 14.04 LTS | binutils | No fix yet | — |
Advisories 1
- USN-4336-2 binutils vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 25, 2026
References
- https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=22421
- GLSA-201811-17 vendor-advisory