CVE-2026-3442
binutils: GNU Binutils: Information disclosure or denial of service via out-of-bounds read in bfd linker
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · March 2, 2026
Updated · September 1, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in GNU Binutils. This vulnerability, a heap-based buffer overflow, specifically an out-of-bounds read, exists in the bfd linker component. An attacker could exploit this by convincing a user to process a specially crafted malicious XCOFF object file. Successful exploitation may lead to the disclosure of sensitive information or cause the application to crash, resulting in an application level denial of service.
Statement
This MODERATE flaw in GNU Binutils (bfd linker) requires an attacker to trick a user into running the ld linker against a specially crafted malicious XCOFF object file. This could lead to an out-of-bounds read.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 6.1CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:L
CWE-125 · Out-of-bounds Read