CVE-2017-15938

What it is

dwarf2.c in the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.29, miscalculates DW_FORM_ref_addr die refs in the case of a relocatable object file, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (find_abstract_instance_name invalid memory read, segmentation fault, and application crash).

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

4.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2017-10-27 21:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:08 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 4.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2017-10-27 21:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:08 UTC

Exploit probability

4.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-119 · Buffer errors

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Gnu Binutils 2.29

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

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