CVE-2017-17815 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2017-17815 was published on December 21, 2017, and affects version 2.14rc0 of the Netwide Assembler (NASM). The vulnerability in the is_mmacro() function can lead to a denial of service attack due to an illegal address access. This CVE highlights the importance of proper parameter count validation to prevent exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2017-17815

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE.

What is CVE-2017-17815?

The vulnerability in the is_mmacro() function in NASM version 2.14rc0 allows for illegal address access, enabling remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks. The issue stems from inadequate validation of parameter counts, specifically the relationship between minimum and maximum counts.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17815

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can exploit it remotely to cause denial of service, potentially disrupting services and systems that rely on NASM.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17815

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a lack of validation for parameter counts in the is_mmacro() function, leading to illegal address access and the potential for remote denial of service attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Netwide Assembler (NASM)
Version: 2.14rc0

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation involves remote attackers leveraging the vulnerability in the is_mmacro() function to trigger illegal address access, causing denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2017-17815.

Immediate Steps to Take

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

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for NASM and promptly apply patches to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.