Description
**DISPUTED**A failure in the -fstack-protector feature in GCC-based toolchains that target AArch64 allows an attacker to exploit an existing buffer overflow in dynamically-sized local variables in your application without this being detected. This stack-protector failure only applies to C99-style dynamically-sized local variables or those created using alloca(). The stack-protector operates as intended for statically-sized local variables. The default behavior when the stack-protector detects an overflow is to terminate your application, resulting in controlled loss of availability. An attacker who can exploit a buffer overflow without triggering the stack-protector might be able to change program flow control to cause an uncontrolled loss of availability or to go further and affect confidentiality or integrity. NOTE: The GCC project argues that this is a missed hardening bug and not a vulnerability by itself.
Affected products
Version statuses are supplied by the assigning organization. Consult the original record for detailed ranges and platform conditions.
Arm Ltd Arm GNU Toolchain
Default version status: affected
All versions where option -fstack-protector is usedaffected
GNU GCC
Default version status: unaffected
All versions of GCC that target AArch64 when option -fstack-protector is usedaffected
References
- https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/GCC%20Stack%20Protector%20Vulnerability%20AArch64 ↗
- https://github.com/metaredteam/external-disclosures/security/advisories/GHSA-x7ch-h5rf-w2mf ↗
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-398330.html ↗
- https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-355557.html ↗