CVE-2019-25273 Overview
Easy-Hide-IP 5.0.0.3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability (CWE-428) in the EasyRedirect service that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit the unquoted path in C:\Program Files\Easy-Hide-IP\rdr\EasyRedirect.exe to inject malicious executables and escalate privileges on affected Windows systems.
Critical Impact
Local attackers with write access to the Program Files directory hierarchy can achieve privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution by placing a malicious executable in a path that Windows will execute before the legitimate service binary.
Affected Products
- Easy-Hide-IP version 5.0.0.3
- EasyRedirect Service component
- Windows installations with Easy-Hide-IP software
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-05 - CVE CVE-2019-25273 published to NVD
- 2026-02-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2019-25273
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-428 (Unquoted Search Path or Element), a common misconfiguration in Windows services. The EasyRedirect service in Easy-Hide-IP registers its executable path without proper quotation marks. When a service path contains spaces and is not enclosed in quotes, Windows attempts to locate and execute files at each space boundary in the path before reaching the intended executable.
The vulnerable service path C:\Program Files\Easy-Hide-IP\rdr\EasyRedirect.exe contains a space in "Program Files," which creates an opportunity for exploitation. Windows will attempt to execute in the following order: C:\Program.exe, then C:\Program Files\Easy-Hide-IP\rdr\EasyRedirect.exe.
Root Cause
The root cause stems from improper service registration during software installation. When the Easy-Hide-IP application registers the EasyRedirect service with the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM), the ImagePath registry value is configured without surrounding quotes. This configuration oversight allows path interception attacks when attackers can write to directories earlier in the path resolution sequence.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access to the target system. An attacker must have write permissions to either the root of the C:\ drive or a location along the unquoted path. By placing a malicious executable named Program.exe in C:\, the attacker can hijack the service execution flow. When the EasyRedirect service starts (either during system boot or manual restart), Windows will execute the attacker's payload with the privileges of the service account, typically SYSTEM.
The exploitation process follows these steps:
- Attacker identifies the unquoted service path via sc qc EasyRedirect or registry inspection
- Attacker crafts a malicious executable payload
- Attacker places the payload at C:\Program.exe
- Service restart or system reboot triggers execution of the malicious payload
- Payload runs with elevated service account privileges
Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25273
Indicators of Compromise
- Presence of unexpected executables named Program.exe in the root C:\ directory
- Unusual process execution chains originating from service control manager
- Unexpected child processes spawned by the EasyRedirect service
- Modifications to the EasyRedirect service configuration in the registry
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for file creation events in C:\ with names matching common unquoted path exploitation patterns (e.g., Program.exe, Easy.exe)
- Audit Windows services for unquoted paths using PowerShell: Get-WmiObject Win32_Service | Where-Object { $_.PathName -match '^[^"]*\s+[^"]*$' }
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables from running
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for privilege escalation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows Security Event logging for service creation and modification (Event IDs 7045, 7040)
- Monitor process creation events (Event ID 4688) for unexpected service spawning
- Configure file integrity monitoring on critical system paths
- Establish baseline service configurations and alert on deviations
How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25273
Immediate Actions Required
- Audit all installed services for unquoted paths and remediate immediately
- Restrict write permissions on the C:\ root directory and other system paths
- Monitor for any suspicious executables along the vulnerable path hierarchy
- Consider uninstalling Easy-Hide-IP 5.0.0.3 if a patched version is not available
Patch Information
No vendor patch information is currently available for this vulnerability. Organizations should contact the vendor directly through the Easy Hide IP website to inquire about remediation options. Additional technical details are available in the VulnCheck Security Advisory and Exploit-DB #47712.
Workarounds
- Manually correct the service path by adding quotes to the registry value at HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EasyRedirect\ImagePath
- Apply least privilege principles to service accounts running the EasyRedirect service
- Implement application control policies to prevent unauthorized executables from running
- Restrict write access to system directories using Windows ACLs
# Manual remediation via command line
# Correct the unquoted service path by modifying the registry
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EasyRedirect" /v ImagePath /t REG_EXPAND_SZ /d "\"C:\Program Files\Easy-Hide-IP\rdr\EasyRedirect.exe\"" /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
