CVE-2018-19216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Netwide Assembler (NASM) before version 2.13.02 is affected by a use-after-free vulnerability in the detoken function of asm/preproc.c.

Understanding CVE-2018-19216

This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in NASM that could be exploited by attackers.

What is CVE-2018-19216?

The detoken function in NASM version prior to 2.13.02 suffers from a use-after-free vulnerability, allowing potential exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-19216

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service on systems running the affected NASM version.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-19216

NASM's use-after-free vulnerability is detailed below.

Vulnerability Description

The detoken function in asm/preproc.c of NASM version prior to 2.13.02 is susceptible to a use-after-free vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Netwide Assembler (NASM)
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions prior to 2.13.02

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a use-after-free condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2018-19216 are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NASM to version 2.13.02 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any signs of unauthorized access or unusual system behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement strong access controls and network segmentation to limit the attack surface.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from NASM and relevant vendors.