CVE-2025-11083

What it actually does

Heap-based buffer overflow in elf_swap_shdr within bfd/elfcode.h allows out-of-bounds writes during ELF section header processing in the linker.

Why it matters to the business

Local users or build processes can trigger crashes or limited memory corruption in software compilation and linking workflows, potentially disrupting development pipelines and CI/CD systems that depend on GNU Binutils.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access crafts a malicious ELF object file containing manipulated section headers, then invokes the linker on that file to trigger the overflow in elf_swap_shdr and achieve limited memory corruption.

How to fix it

Upgrade GNU Binutils to version 2.46 or apply the patch identified as 9ca499644a21ceb3f946d1c179c38a83be084490; rebuild all dependent packages that statically link against the vulnerable bfd library.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify installed binutils version is 2.46 or later; confirm the patch commit is present in bfd/elfcode.h; test linking of known-good and boundary-case ELF files for absence of crashes or sanitizer violations.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access to a system with vulnerable GNU Binutils
2. Create or obtain a specially crafted ELF file with oversized or malformed section headers
3. Execute the linker (ld) against the malicious file
4. Trigger heap overflow during elf_swap_shdr processing
5. Achieve limited read/write or crash

How to detect it

Review build logs and linker invocation records for unusual crashes or segmentation faults during ELF processing; inspect core dumps from ld processes for heap corruption patterns; correlate with local user activity around compilation jobs.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize upgrade of GNU Binutils to 2.46 across all build environments and developer workstations
• Scan source and binary repositories for pre-2.46 binutils packages and replace them
• Add automated version checks to CI pipelines and container base images
• Monitor EPSS and exploit disclosure channels for any increase in public tooling