CVE-2025-7545 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in GNU Binutils version 2.45, specifically within the copy_section function of the binutils/objcopy.c source file. Binutils is a collection of binary tools widely used in software development and system maintenance for tasks such as object file manipulation, linking, and binary translation. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of memory allocation or copying operations in the copy_section function, leading to a heap overflow condition. This can corrupt adjacent memory on the heap, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service, or crash the affected application. Exploitation requires local access with at least low-level privileges (local privilege) and does not require user interaction. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, and a patch identified by commit 08c3cbe5926e4d355b5cb70bbec2b1eeb40c2944 is available to remediate the issue. The CVSS v4.0 base score is 4.8, indicating a medium severity level, reflecting the local attack vector, low complexity, and limited scope of impact. No known exploits are currently observed in the wild, but the public disclosure increases the risk of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems where Binutils 2.45 is installed and used, particularly in development environments or build servers where objcopy operations are frequent. Since Binutils is a fundamental tool in many Linux distributions and embedded systems development, the vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers with local access to escalate privileges or disrupt system operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7545 depends largely on their reliance on GNU Binutils 2.45 in their development, build, or production environments. Organizations running Linux-based infrastructure, embedded systems development, or software compilation pipelines are at risk. The heap overflow could allow attackers with local access to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service, potentially leading to system compromise or disruption of critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors with stringent security requirements such as finance, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, and government agencies. The medium severity score reflects that remote exploitation is not feasible, limiting the attack surface to insiders or compromised accounts. However, the presence of publicly available exploit code could facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation within networks. European organizations with automated build systems or continuous integration pipelines using Binutils 2.45 may face operational risks if the vulnerability is exploited, including data corruption or service outages. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against software supply chains, which are a growing concern in Europe due to regulatory focus on software integrity and security.

To mitigate CVE-2025-7545, European organizations should prioritize applying the official patch identified by commit 08c3cbe5926e4d355b5cb70bbec2b1eeb40c2944 to all affected GNU Binutils 2.45 installations. This includes build servers, developer workstations, and embedded development environments. Organizations should audit their environments to identify all instances of Binutils 2.45 and upgrade to a patched version or later releases where the vulnerability is fixed. Implement strict access controls and monitoring for local accounts with the ability to execute Binutils tools to reduce the risk of exploitation by unauthorized users. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection solutions to detect anomalous behavior related to objcopy or other Binutils utilities. For critical systems, consider isolating build environments and restricting local user privileges to minimize the attack surface. Additionally, integrate vulnerability scanning into the software development lifecycle to detect vulnerable Binutils versions early. Finally, maintain awareness of any emerging exploit code or attack campaigns targeting this vulnerability to adjust defenses accordingly.