Description
The getvalue function in tekhex.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (stack-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted tekhex file, as demonstrated by mishandling within the nm program.
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 | 2.29-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | binutils | 2.29-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | binutils | 2.29-1 | — |
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 | — |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 12 SP3 | binutils +2 | 2.29.1-9.20.2 | SUSE-SU-2017:3170-1 |
| SLES 12 SP2 | binutils +2 | 2.29.1-9.20.2 | SUSE-SU-2017:3170-1 |
Show 3 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES for SAP 12 SP3 | binutils | 2.29.1-9.20.2 | SUSE-SU-2017:3170-1 |
| SLES for SAP 12 SP2 | binutils | 2.29.1-9.20.2 | SUSE-SU-2017:3170-1 |
| SLES for SAP 12 SP1 | binutils | 2.29.1-9.20.2 | SUSE-SU-2017:3170-1 |
Advisories 2
- USN-4336-2 binutils vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 25, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2017:3170-1 Security update for binutils SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=21670
- GLSA-201709-02 vendor-advisory
- 99307 vdb-entry