CVE-2019-25598 Overview
CVE-2019-25598 is a Denial of Service vulnerability affecting HeidiSQL Portable version 10.1.0.5464. The vulnerability allows local attackers to crash the application by supplying an excessively long string in the password field during Microsoft SQL Server login. This buffer overflow condition occurs when attackers paste a specially crafted payload into the password input field, triggering an application crash.
Critical Impact
Local attackers can cause application denial of service by exploiting improper input validation in the password field, resulting in a buffer overflow that crashes HeidiSQL Portable.
Affected Products
- HeidiSQL Portable 10.1.0.5464
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-22 - CVE CVE-2019-25598 published to NVD
- 2026-03-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2019-25598
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), a memory corruption issue stemming from improper bounds checking in the password input handling mechanism. When a user attempts to connect to a Microsoft SQL Server instance using HeidiSQL Portable, the application fails to properly validate the length of input provided in the password field.
The local attack vector means an attacker requires access to the system where HeidiSQL Portable is running. The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction beyond the attacker's own actions. While the confidentiality and integrity impacts are none, the availability impact is high, as successful exploitation results in complete application crash.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and improper memory boundary checking when processing password field data. HeidiSQL Portable 10.1.0.5464 does not enforce adequate length restrictions on password input, allowing an excessively long string to be written beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds write corrupts memory and causes the application to terminate unexpectedly.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to have access to the HeidiSQL Portable application interface. The exploitation process involves:
- Launching HeidiSQL Portable 10.1.0.5464 on the target system
- Navigating to the Microsoft SQL Server connection dialog
- Pasting an excessively long string (buffer overflow payload) into the password input field
- Attempting to establish a connection, which triggers the buffer overflow
- The application crashes due to memory corruption from the out-of-bounds write
The vulnerability is documented in Exploit-DB #46749 which provides additional technical details about the exploitation technique.
Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25598
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HeidiSQL application crashes or termination events
- System event logs showing application faults in HeidiSQL processes
- Memory access violation errors associated with HeidiSQL Portable
- Repeated application restarts in quick succession
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Windows Event Logs for application crash events related to HeidiSQL Portable
- Implement endpoint detection rules for abnormal process termination patterns
- Configure application crash monitoring to alert on HeidiSQL process failures
- Review system stability logs for recurring memory-related errors in database client applications
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows Error Reporting to capture crash dump data for forensic analysis
- Configure endpoint security solutions to monitor for buffer overflow exploitation attempts
- Implement application whitelisting to ensure only authorized versions of HeidiSQL are permitted
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity Platform for real-time behavioral detection of memory corruption exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25598
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade HeidiSQL Portable to the latest version available from the official HeidiSQL website
- Restrict physical and logical access to systems running vulnerable HeidiSQL Portable installations
- Consider using the standard installer version rather than the portable version if security updates are more readily available
- Review and limit user permissions for running database management tools
Patch Information
Users should download the latest version of HeidiSQL from the official website to address this vulnerability. The HeidiSQL Homepage provides current releases with security fixes. Review the VulnCheck Advisory: HeidiSQL DoS for additional guidance and patch status information.
Workarounds
- Limit access to HeidiSQL Portable to trusted users only until patching is complete
- Consider using alternative database management tools with proper input validation
- Implement application control policies to prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable software versions
- Monitor for suspicious activity around database client applications using endpoint security solutions
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
