CVE-2019-14444: apply_relocations in readelf.c in GNU Binutils 2.32 contains an integer overflow that allows attackers to t...

Security readout for executives and security teams

A crafted ELF file can crash GNU Binutils readelf in version 2.32 by triggering an integer overflow during relocation processing. The business risk is mainly to systems or pipelines that inspect untrusted binaries, such as malware analysis, CI, reverse engineering, or support intake workflows. Exposure is most likely where GNU Binutils 2.32, or downstream vendor packages containing it, process ELF files from external or untrusted sources. General servers are less exposed unless automation invokes readelf or related tooling on attacker-supplied binaries. Prioritize remediation for security analysis, engineering, and CI systems that inspect untrusted binaries. For standard production hosts without such workflows, urgency is lower but should follow normal package maintenance because vendor advisories exist. Mitigation focus: Apply binutils updates from the relevant OS or vendor advisory.; Check Ubuntu, Gentoo, openSUSE, and NetApp guidance where applicable.; Avoid processing untrusted ELF files with vulnerable readelf versions..

Prepared

Jun 6, 2026, 14:06 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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