CVE-2017-8421: High severity binutils vulnerability

Published May 2, 2017
·
Updated

Last updated 24 July 2024

Other sources

The function coffsetalignmenthook in coffcode.h in Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, has a memory leak vulnerability which can cause memory exhaustion in objdump via a crafted PE file. Additional validation in dumprelocsinsection in objdump.c can resolve this.

Affected Software

2 affected componentsFixes available
GNU binutils=2.28
debian/binutils
2.35.2-22.40-22.44-3

Event History

May 2, 2017
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:00 PM
Description
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·10:41 PM
Description
Sep 16, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·01:51 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 30, 2025
Data Sourced
via Debian·02:26 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2017-8421?

CVE-2017-8421 is a vulnerability in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library in GNU Binutils 2.28, which can cause memory exhaustion in objdump via a crafted PE file.

2

How does CVE-2017-8421 affect Binutils?

CVE-2017-8421 affects Binutils version 2.28.

3

How can I fix CVE-2017-8421?

To fix CVE-2017-8421, you should update Binutils to version 2.31.1-16, 2.35.2-2, 2.40-2, or 2.41-5.

4

Is there a patch available for CVE-2017-8421?

Yes, Binutils version 2.31.1-16, 2.35.2-2, 2.40-2, and 2.41-5 include patches for CVE-2017-8421.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2017-8421?

More information about CVE-2017-8421 can be found at the following references: [https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=21440](https://sourceware.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=21440), [https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201709-02](https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201709-02), [https://launchpad.net/bugs/cve/CVE-2017-8421](https://launchpad.net/bugs/cve/CVE-2017-8421).

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203