CVE-2024-25260: n/a in n/a
elfutils v0.189 was discovered to contain a NULL pointer dereference via the handle_verdef() function at readelf.c.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-25260 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in elfutils version 0.189, specifically involving a NULL pointer dereference in the handle_verdef() function located in readelf.c. Elfutils is a collection of utilities and libraries used for handling ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, which are common in Unix-like operating systems for executables, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps. The vulnerability arises when the handle_verdef() function processes malformed or crafted ELF files, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. This results in a denial of service (DoS) condition by crashing the affected process. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.0, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L) reveals that the attack requires local access (AV:L), has low complexity (AC:L), does not require privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts only availability (A:L) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference), which typically leads to application crashes or system instability. Given elfutils' role in system-level ELF file processing, this vulnerability could be triggered by processing malicious ELF files locally, potentially affecting debugging, analysis, or build tools that rely on elfutils components such as readelf.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-25260 is a denial of service condition on systems that utilize elfutils 0.189, particularly when processing ELF files via the readelf utility or related libraries. This could disrupt development, debugging, or automated build pipelines that rely on elfutils, potentially causing system instability or service interruptions. While the vulnerability does not allow for privilege escalation, code execution, or data compromise, the availability impact could affect critical infrastructure components, especially in sectors relying heavily on Linux-based systems such as telecommunications, finance, and government services. Organizations with automated ELF file processing or continuous integration environments may experience workflow interruptions. However, since exploitation requires local access and crafted ELF files, remote exploitation risk is minimal, limiting the threat mainly to insider threats or compromised local accounts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance.
Mitigation Recommendations
Identify and inventory all systems using elfutils version 0.189 or earlier, focusing on development, build, and debugging environments. Restrict local access to systems processing ELF files to trusted users only, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious activity. Implement file integrity monitoring and scanning for malformed or suspicious ELF files before processing them with elfutils tools. Where possible, isolate ELF file processing tasks in sandboxed or containerized environments to limit the impact of potential crashes. Monitor system logs and application crash reports for signs of NULL pointer dereference or unexpected termination of elfutils-related processes. Apply patches or updates from elfutils maintainers as soon as they become available; if no patch exists, consider upgrading to a later, unaffected version. Educate developers and system administrators about the risks of processing untrusted ELF files and enforce policies to validate inputs. In environments with continuous integration or automated builds, add validation steps to detect and reject malformed ELF files prior to processing.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Italy, Spain
CVE-2024-25260: n/a in n/a
Description
elfutils v0.189 was discovered to contain a NULL pointer dereference via the handle_verdef() function at readelf.c.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-25260 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in elfutils version 0.189, specifically involving a NULL pointer dereference in the handle_verdef() function located in readelf.c. Elfutils is a collection of utilities and libraries used for handling ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, which are common in Unix-like operating systems for executables, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps. The vulnerability arises when the handle_verdef() function processes malformed or crafted ELF files, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. This results in a denial of service (DoS) condition by crashing the affected process. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.0, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L) reveals that the attack requires local access (AV:L), has low complexity (AC:L), does not require privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts only availability (A:L) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference), which typically leads to application crashes or system instability. Given elfutils' role in system-level ELF file processing, this vulnerability could be triggered by processing malicious ELF files locally, potentially affecting debugging, analysis, or build tools that rely on elfutils components such as readelf.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-25260 is a denial of service condition on systems that utilize elfutils 0.189, particularly when processing ELF files via the readelf utility or related libraries. This could disrupt development, debugging, or automated build pipelines that rely on elfutils, potentially causing system instability or service interruptions. While the vulnerability does not allow for privilege escalation, code execution, or data compromise, the availability impact could affect critical infrastructure components, especially in sectors relying heavily on Linux-based systems such as telecommunications, finance, and government services. Organizations with automated ELF file processing or continuous integration environments may experience workflow interruptions. However, since exploitation requires local access and crafted ELF files, remote exploitation risk is minimal, limiting the threat mainly to insider threats or compromised local accounts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance.
Mitigation Recommendations
Identify and inventory all systems using elfutils version 0.189 or earlier, focusing on development, build, and debugging environments. Restrict local access to systems processing ELF files to trusted users only, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious activity. Implement file integrity monitoring and scanning for malformed or suspicious ELF files before processing them with elfutils tools. Where possible, isolate ELF file processing tasks in sandboxed or containerized environments to limit the impact of potential crashes. Monitor system logs and application crash reports for signs of NULL pointer dereference or unexpected termination of elfutils-related processes. Apply patches or updates from elfutils maintainers as soon as they become available; if no patch exists, consider upgrading to a later, unaffected version. Educate developers and system administrators about the risks of processing untrusted ELF files and enforce policies to validate inputs. In environments with continuous integration or automated builds, add validation steps to detect and reject malformed ELF files prior to processing.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2024-02-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
Threat ID: 682d9840c4522896dcbf1073
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:20 AM
Last enriched: 6/24/2025, 5:12:54 AM
Last updated: 7/31/2025, 7:31:08 PM
Views: 12
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