CVE-2025-1376

What it actually does

The flaw is a memory corruption issue in the elf_strptr function within libelf/elf_strptr.c of GNU elfutils 0.192, triggered during processing of malformed ELF binaries by the eu-strip component and resulting in a local denial of service.

Why it matters to the business

Organizations relying on elfutils-dependent tools for binary processing or packaging face a low-likelihood risk of service disruption from crafted local inputs; the narrow attack surface and high exploitation difficulty limit operational impact even in environments with high package prevalence.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access crafts a specially malformed ELF file that triggers the vulnerable path in elf_strptr when eu-strip or a dependent utility processes it, causing a crash; the public disclosure provides a proof-of-concept but the high complexity makes reliable exploitation difficult.

How to fix it

Apply the upstream patch b16f441cca0a4841050e3215a9f120a6d8aea918 or upgrade to a fixed build; for paperless-ngx/paperless-ngx (GIT) update to commit ed05b40ba461641b1b59b0a92f51f3f6a66ce180.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the installed elfutils version is newer than 0.192 or contains commit b16f441cca0a4841050e3215a9f120a6d8aea918; for paperless-ngx/paperless-ngx verify presence of commit ed05b40ba461641b1b59b0a92f51f3f6a66ce180 and test eu-strip against known trigger files.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access to a system with the vulnerable elfutils library
2. Prepare a malformed ELF binary designed to exercise the elf_strptr code path
3. Invoke eu-strip or another utility that calls the affected function on the crafted file
4. Trigger the memory corruption leading to denial of service

How to detect it

Review system and application logs for unexpected crashes or segmentation faults in eu-strip or libelf callers; correlate with file creation or modification timestamps of ELF binaries processed shortly before the event.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching elfutils in build and packaging pipelines within standard maintenance windows given the low CVSS and EPSS
• Monitor upstream elfutils releases and rebuild any statically linked dependents
• Restrict local access to systems performing ELF manipulation until patched