CVE-2017-7303

CVE-2017-7303 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Binutils with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-125.

Key facts

Description

The Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, is vulnerable to an invalid read (of size 4) because of missing a check (in the find_link function) for null headers before attempting to match them. This vulnerability causes Binutils utilities like strip to crash.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-7303?
The Binary File Descriptor (BFD) library (aka libbfd), as distributed in GNU Binutils 2.28, is vulnerable to an invalid read (of size 4) because of missing a check (in the find_link function) for null headers before attempting to match them. This vulnerability causes Binutils utilities like strip to crash.
How severe is CVE-2017-7303?
CVE-2017-7303 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2017-7303 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-7303?
CVE-2017-7303 affects Gnu Binutils. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-7303?
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-2017-7303 published?
CVE-2017-7303 was published on 2017-03-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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