CVE-2017-17819 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Netwide Assembler (NASM) 2.14rc0 has a vulnerability in the function find_cc() that could lead to a remote denial of service attack due to unauthorized address access.

Understanding CVE-2017-17819

This CVE involves a security issue in NASM 2.14rc0 that allows for a potential denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2017-17819?

An unauthorized address access vulnerability in the find_cc() function of NASM 2.14rc0 can be exploited to trigger a remote denial of service attack. This flaw stems from the lack of validation for pointers associated with skip_white_ calls.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17819

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to cause a remote denial of service, disrupting the normal operation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17819

NASM 2.14rc0 is susceptible to unauthorized address access due to a lack of pointer validation in the find_cc() function.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the function find_cc() in asm/preproc.c, where unauthorized address access can occur, potentially leading to a remote denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Netwide Assembler (NASM) 2.14rc0
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating pointers associated with skip_white_ calls, allowing them to trigger a denial of service attack remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-17819, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by the vendor.
Monitor vendor advisories for updates and apply them promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update NASM to the latest version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent unauthorized access to memory addresses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that NASM is regularly updated with the latest security patches to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.