CVE-2025-11082 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in GNU Binutils version 2.45, specifically within the _bfd_elf_parse_eh_frame function located in the bfd/elf-eh-frame.c source file of the Linker component. Binutils is a collection of binary tools widely used in software development and system administration for tasks such as linking, assembling, and manipulating binary files. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of data during the parsing of the .eh_frame section in ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files, which can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow. This type of overflow occurs when more data is written to a heap buffer than it can hold, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory, leading to unpredictable behavior including crashes or code execution. The attack vector is local execution, meaning an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this flaw. The vulnerability requires low privileges (PR:L) and no user interaction (UI:N), but the attack complexity is low (AC:L), making exploitation feasible for local users with limited permissions. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is low (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L), indicating limited but non-negligible consequences. The vulnerability has been patched in GNU Binutils version 2.46, with the fix identified by commit ea1a0737c7692737a644af0486b71e4a392cbca8. Although an exploit has been published, there are no known widespread exploits in the wild at this time. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.8, categorizing this as a medium severity issue. Overall, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily in environments where untrusted or malicious ELF files are processed locally by Binutils 2.45 or earlier versions.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-11082 depends largely on the use of GNU Binutils 2.45 in their development, build, or deployment pipelines. Organizations involved in software development, embedded systems, or Linux-based infrastructure that rely on Binutils for linking and binary manipulation could be vulnerable if local users or automated processes handle crafted ELF files. The heap overflow could lead to denial of service via crashes or potentially enable privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. Although the attack requires local access, insider threats or compromised accounts could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt operations or gain elevated control. The medium severity rating suggests moderate risk, but the presence of a public exploit increases the urgency for patching. European critical infrastructure sectors, including telecommunications, manufacturing, and finance, which often use Linux-based systems and development tools, may be particularly sensitive to this vulnerability. Failure to remediate could lead to operational disruptions, data integrity issues, or increased attack surface for lateral movement within networks.

To mitigate CVE-2025-11082, European organizations should prioritize upgrading GNU Binutils to version 2.46 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. In environments where immediate upgrading is not feasible, organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local user permissions and restrict the ability to execute or process untrusted ELF files with Binutils. Employing application whitelisting and monitoring for anomalous usage of Binutils can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, integrating static and dynamic analysis tools in the build pipeline to scan ELF files for anomalies before processing can reduce risk. Organizations should also ensure that endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions are tuned to identify suspicious local activities related to binary manipulation tools. Regularly auditing and hardening development and build environments, including limiting the number of users with local access, will further reduce exposure. Finally, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of software versions and applying vendor patches promptly is critical to prevent exploitation.