CVE-2020-19724 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A memory consumption issue in get_data function in binutils/nm.c in GNU nm before 2.34 allows attackers to cause a denial of service via crafted command.

Understanding CVE-2020-19724

This CVE describes a memory consumption vulnerability in GNU nm before version 2.34 that could be exploited by attackers to trigger a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2020-19724?

The vulnerability in the get_data function in binutils/nm.c allows malicious actors to disrupt the normal operation of the software by exploiting a memory consumption flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2020-19724

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for a denial of service attack, where an attacker can cause the affected software to consume excessive memory resources, leading to system instability or crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-19724

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the get_data function in binutils/nm.c in GNU nm before version 2.34, enabling attackers to exploit it for memory consumption attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions before 2.34 are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific commands to trigger excessive memory consumption, leading to a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-19724, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 2.34 or newer of GNU nm to mitigate the vulnerability
Monitor system resources for any unusual memory consumption patterns

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions
Implement proper input validation to prevent crafted commands

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the software vendor to fix the memory consumption issue