Memory Leak Vulnerability in GNU Binutils Package
Summary
CVE-2025-8225: A vulnerability was found in GNU Binutils 2.44 and classified as problematic. Affects binutils across 3 version ranges.
< 2.44-r3
< 815d9a14cbbb3b81843f7566222c87fb22e7255d
< e51fdff7d2e538c0e5accdd65649ac68e6e0ddd4
Fixed in 2.44-r3. How to fix ↓
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Background
GNU Binutils is a collection of binary tools essential for the development and management of software applications. It includes tools for assembling, linking, and manipulating binary files. The package is widely used in various Linux distributions, including Debian. The vulnerability in question affects the DWARF Section Handler, which is responsible for handling debugging information in binary files.
Vulnerability Detail
A vulnerability was discovered in GNU Binutils version 2.44, specifically in the process_debug_info function located in the binutils/dwarf.c file. This vulnerability leads to a memory leak, which can be exploited locally by an attacker. The implications of this vulnerability include potential resource exhaustion and degraded system performance, as the memory leak can cause applications to consume excessive memory over time. The vulnerability is identified by the patch identifier e51fdff7d2e538c0e5accdd65649ac68e6e0ddd4.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.44-r3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade binutilsTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, if immediate patching is not possible, consider limiting access to the affected system to trusted users only, and monitor memory usage closely to identify any unusual patterns that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in GNU Binutils poses a risk to system performance and resource management. It is crucial to apply the recommended updates to mitigate this issue and ensure the stability of your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for binutils →
FAQ
CVE-2025-8225 is a vulnerability in GNU Binutils that causes a memory leak in the DWARF Section Handler.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
The memory leak can lead to resource exhaustion, causing applications to consume excessive memory and potentially degrade system performance.
Yes, a patch is available. Updating to the latest version of the GNU Binutils package will resolve the issue.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 3.3, indicating a low severity level.
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