How severe is CVE-2017-17126?

CVE-2017-17126 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2017-17126 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (74th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-17126?

CVE-2017-17126 affects Gnu Binutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-17126?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2017-17126 published?

CVE-2017-17126 was published on 2017-12-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-17126

CVE-2017-17126 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Binutils with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (74th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Gnu Binutils
Published: 2017-12-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The load_debug_section function in readelf.c in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid memory access and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via an ELF file that lacks section headers.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-17126?: The load_debug_section function in readelf.c in GNU Binutils 2.29.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid memory access and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via an ELF file that lacks section headers.
How severe is CVE-2017-17126?: CVE-2017-17126 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2017-17126 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (74th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-17126?: CVE-2017-17126 affects Gnu Binutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-17126?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2017-17126 published?: CVE-2017-17126 was published on 2017-12-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:binutils:2.29.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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