CVE-2026-4647
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Out-of-Bounds Read in GNU Binutils BFD via XCOFF Relocation

Publication date: 2026-03-23

Last updated on: 2026-03-24

Assigner: Red Hat, Inc.

Description
A flaw was found in the GNU Binutils BFD library, a widely used component for handling binary files such as object files and executables. The issue occurs when processing specially crafted XCOFF object files, where a relocation type value is not properly validated before being used. This can cause the program to read memory outside of intended bounds. As a result, affected tools may crash or expose unintended memory contents, leading to denial-of-service or limited information disclosure risks.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-23
Last Modified
2026-03-24
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-23
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-4647
EUVD
EUVD-2026-14435
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 7 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
redhat enterprise_linux 7.0
redhat enterprise_linux 6.0
redhat enterprise_linux 8.0
redhat openshift_container_platform 4.0
redhat enterprise_linux 9.0
gnu binutils *
redhat enterprise_linux 10.0
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-125 The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read flaw in the GNU Binutils BFD library, which is used to handle binary files like object files and executables.

It occurs when processing specially crafted XCOFF object files where a relocation type value (r_type) is not properly validated before being used as an array index.

Because of this improper validation, the program may read memory outside of intended bounds, which can cause crashes or expose unintended memory contents.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to denial-of-service conditions by causing affected tools to crash.

It also poses a risk of limited information disclosure by exposing unintended memory contents.

In some cases, it may allow unintended control flow alterations, potentially affecting the behavior of applications using the vulnerable library.

Compliance Impact

I don't know

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability arises when processing specially crafted XCOFF object files using affected GNU Binutils tools. Detection involves identifying usage of vulnerable Binutils versions and analyzing if such crafted XCOFF files are processed.

Since the flaw is in the functions xcoff_ppc_relocate_section() and xcoff64_ppc_relocate_section(), detection can include monitoring for crashes or abnormal behavior when handling XCOFF files.

Specific commands to detect the vulnerability are not provided in the available resources.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation involves updating GNU Binutils to version 2.47 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed.

Avoid processing untrusted or specially crafted XCOFF object files with vulnerable Binutils versions to prevent exploitation.

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