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CVE Record

CVE-2017-14932: decode_line_info in dwarf2.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GN...

decode_line_info in dwarf2.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a crafted ELF file.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2017-14932 is a denial-of-service flaw in GNU Binutils libbfd, reported for version 2.29. A specially crafted ELF file can make affected analysis tools loop indefinitely, tying up CPU or workflow capacity. The sources do not show code execution, data theft, or confirmed active exploitation.

Executive priority

Prioritize remediation where untrusted binary files are processed automatically. This is not evidenced as ransomware-grade or code-execution risk, but it can disrupt security analysis, CI, or file-processing services if exposed.

Technical view

The issue is in decode_line_info in dwarf2.c within the BFD library. When parsing crafted ELF/DWARF line information, libbfd can enter an infinite loop. Exposure depends on whether Binutils/libbfd-based tools process untrusted ELF files, especially in automated malware analysis, CI, security scanning, or ingestion pipelines.

Likely exposure

Most exposed environments are those that automatically inspect ELF files from external users, samples, repositories, or build artifacts. Ordinary systems with Binutils installed but not processing untrusted files have lower practical exposure. The bundle names GNU Binutils 2.29 but does not provide complete affected version ranges.

Exploitation context

The CVE description states remote attackers can trigger denial of service using a crafted ELF file. The provided sources do not cite public weaponization, in-the-wild exploitation, or CISA KEV listing. Treat exploitation status as unconfirmed beyond crafted-file triggering.

Researcher notes

The source bundle is sparse: no CVSS, CWE, CPE, or full affected-version matrix is provided. The strongest facts are the CVE description, upstream bug reference, and upstream commit reference. Avoid asserting affected downstream packages or exploit availability without vendor-specific confirmation.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory GNU Binutils and libbfd versions across developer, CI, and analysis systems.
  • Check GNU Binutils or OS vendor advisories for fixed package versions.
  • Update Binutils packages where vendor fixes are available.
  • Isolate automated processing of untrusted ELF files with resource limits.
  • Restrict untrusted ELF ingestion where updates cannot be applied promptly.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm whether GNU Binutils 2.29 or libbfd-dependent tools are present.
  • Identify workflows that process ELF files from external or low-trust sources.
  • Review package changelogs for the referenced upstream fix or vendor backport.
  • Monitor analysis services for hung Binutils processes or sustained CPU usage.
  • Verify patched systems no longer use the affected libbfd build.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2017-14932 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.