CVE-2018-10254 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A stack-based buffer over-read vulnerability was found in Netwide Assembler (NASM) 2.13, specifically in the disasm function of the disasm/disasm.c file. Attackers could exploit this flaw to trigger a denial of service or potentially cause other unknown consequences by using a specially crafted ELF file.

Understanding CVE-2018-10254

This CVE entry describes a security vulnerability in NASM version 2.13 that could be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt services or potentially execute arbitrary code.

What is CVE-2018-10254?

The vulnerability in NASM 2.13 allows attackers to read beyond the allocated buffer in memory, potentially leading to a crash or other malicious activities.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10254

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a denial of service condition or enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10254

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the disasm function of the disasm/disasm.c file in NASM 2.13, allowing remote attackers to exploit a stack-based buffer over-read.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Netwide Assembler (NASM) 2.13
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious ELF file to trigger the stack-based buffer over-read.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-10254 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the network or system that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses.
Educate users and IT staff about safe computing practices and the importance of security awareness.
Consider implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect and block malicious activities.
Stay informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities to proactively protect systems.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that NASM is updated to a patched version that addresses the stack-based buffer over-read vulnerability.