CVE-2025-8845 in Netwide Assember
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2025
A vulnerability was identified in NASM Netwide Assember 2.17rc0. This issue affects the function assemble_file of the file nasm.c. The manipulation leads to stack-based buffer overflow. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-8845 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in NASM Netwide Assembler version 2.17rc0, specifically within the assemble_file function located in the nasm.c source file. This flaw arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the assembly process, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can exceed the allocated stack buffer space. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within a core component of the assembly toolchain that is widely used in software development and system programming contexts. The stack-based buffer overflow occurs when the function fails to properly constrain the size of data being processed, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations with controlled data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it provides an attacker with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the local host where NASM is installed and executed. This represents a significant security risk for developers and system administrators who rely on NASM for compiling assembly code, as the attack vector requires no network connectivity and can be exploited through local file manipulation or direct invocation of the assembler. The public disclosure of exploit code further amplifies the threat level, as it removes the barrier to entry for potential attackers who may not possess advanced exploitation skills. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the entire assembly process, potentially allowing an attacker to inject malicious code into the compilation pipeline or corrupt the execution environment of the assembler itself.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The attack pattern follows the standard technique described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.008 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, where local execution of malicious code can be achieved through exploitation of buffer overflow conditions. The local execution environment creates a unique threat landscape where an attacker can leverage the assembler's functionality to manipulate the compilation process itself. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of proper bounds checking in compiler and assembler tools that handle user-provided data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8845 should focus on immediate patching of the NASM toolchain to the latest stable release that contains the necessary buffer overflow protections. System administrators should implement least privilege principles for the assembler tool, limiting execution permissions to only authorized users and processes. Additional protective measures include deploying stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, enabling address space layout randomization, and implementing input validation layers that can detect and reject malformed assembly code before it reaches the vulnerable function. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of development environments should include verification of assembler tool versions and configuration to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability in production systems.