Local Exploit: Unchecked Return in Binutils 2.45 tg_tag_type
CVE-2025-11839 Published on October 16, 2025
GNU Binutils prdbg.c tg_tag_type return value
A security flaw has been discovered in GNU Binutils 2.45. Impacted is the function tg_tag_type of the file prdbg.c. Performing a manipulation results in unchecked return value. The attack needs to be approached locally. The exploit has been released to the public and may be used for attacks.
Timeline
Advisory disclosed
VulDB entry created
VulDB entry last update 12 days later.
Weakness Types
Unchecked Return Value
The software does not check the return value from a method or function, which can prevent it from detecting unexpected states and conditions. Two common programmer assumptions are "this function call can never fail" and "it doesn't matter if this function call fails". If an attacker can force the function to fail or otherwise return a value that is not expected, then the subsequent program logic could lead to a vulnerability, because the software is not in a state that the programmer assumes. For example, if the program calls a function to drop privileges but does not check the return code to ensure that privileges were successfully dropped, then the program will continue to operate with the higher privileges.
Incorrect Check of Function Return Value
The software incorrectly checks a return value from a function, which prevents the software from detecting errors or exceptional conditions. Important and common functions will return some value about the success of its actions. This will alert the program whether or not to handle any errors caused by that function.
Products Associated with CVE-2025-11839
stack.watch emails you whenever new vulnerabilities are published in GNU Binutils or Canonical Ubuntu Linux. Just hit a watch button to start following.
Affected Versions
GNU Binutils Version 2.45 is affected by CVE-2025-11839Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.