CVE-2017-17814 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A remote denial of service attack can be triggered in Netwide Assembler (NASM) 2.14rc0 due to a use-after-free vulnerability present in the do_directive function located in asm/preproc.c.

Understanding CVE-2017-17814

In Netwide Assembler (NASM) 2.14rc0, a use-after-free vulnerability in the do_directive function can lead to a remote denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2017-17814?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in NASM 2.14rc0 that allows for a remote denial of service attack due to a specific use-after-free issue in the do_directive function.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17814

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely to trigger a denial of service attack on systems running the affected NASM version.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17814

NASM 2.14rc0 is susceptible to a use-after-free vulnerability in the do_directive function.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in NASM 2.14rc0 arises from improper handling of memory that can be exploited to cause a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Netwide Assembler (NASM)
Version: 2.14rc0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by sending specially crafted requests to the affected NASM version, triggering the use-after-free condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2017-17814.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NASM to a patched version that addresses the use-after-free vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an ongoing attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from NASM and relevant vendors to apply patches promptly.