CVE-2019-25629: AIDA64 Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2019-25629 Overview

CVE-2019-25629 is a structured exception handler (SEH) buffer overflow vulnerability affecting AIDA64 Extreme version 5.99.4900. The flaw exists within the logging functionality of the application, where improper handling of log file paths allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code. By supplying a malicious CSV log file path through the Hardware Monitoring logging preferences, an attacker can inject shellcode that overflows the buffer and triggers code execution when the application processes the crafted path.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems by exploiting the SEH buffer overflow in AIDA64 Extreme's logging functionality, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Affected Products

• AIDA64 Extreme version 5.99.4900

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-24 - CVE CVE-2019-25629 published to NVD
• 2026-03-24 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2019-25629

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write), which occurs when the software writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer. In the context of AIDA64 Extreme, the logging functionality fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied input when processing CSV log file paths configured through the Hardware Monitoring preferences.

The vulnerability specifically targets the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) mechanism in Windows. When an overly long file path is provided, it overflows the stack-based buffer and overwrites the SEH chain. This allows an attacker to redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled shellcode when an exception is triggered. The local attack vector requires the attacker to have some level of access to the target system to manipulate the logging configuration.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the absence of proper bounds checking when copying user-supplied log file path data into a fixed-size buffer. The application does not validate that the input length fits within the allocated buffer space before performing the copy operation. This allows an attacker to supply an excessively long path string that exceeds the buffer boundaries, corrupting adjacent memory including the SEH record on the stack.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted locally by manipulating the Hardware Monitoring logging preferences within AIDA64 Extreme. An attacker with access to the application can configure a malicious CSV log file path containing shellcode and padding designed to overflow the buffer. When the application attempts to process this path, the overflow corrupts the SEH chain. Upon triggering an exception (which may occur naturally during path processing or be forced by the overflow itself), the overwritten exception handler pointer redirects execution to the attacker's shellcode, resulting in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the application.

Technical details and proof-of-concept code demonstrating this vulnerability are available through the Exploit-DB #46660 entry. Additional advisory information can be found at the VulnCheck AIDA64 Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25629

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusually long file paths configured in AIDA64 Extreme logging preferences
• Presence of non-printable characters or shellcode patterns in log file path configurations
• Unexpected crashes or exceptions in AIDA64 Extreme during logging operations
• Evidence of code execution originating from the aida64.exe process

Detection Strategies

• Monitor AIDA64 Extreme configuration files for modifications containing abnormally long strings or suspicious byte sequences
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting SEH-based exploitation techniques
• Implement application whitelisting to detect unauthorized code execution from AIDA64's process space
• Use memory protection technologies that can detect and prevent SEH overwrites

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable logging of application configuration changes for AIDA64 Extreme
• Monitor for unusual process behavior or child processes spawned from aida64.exe
• Implement file integrity monitoring on AIDA64 configuration directories
• Review system event logs for application crashes related to AIDA64 Extreme

How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25629

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade AIDA64 Extreme to the latest available version from the AIDA64 Official Website
• Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable versions of AIDA64 Extreme
• Disable or restrict access to the Hardware Monitoring logging functionality if not required
• Apply principle of least privilege to limit potential impact of exploitation

Patch Information

Users should upgrade to a newer version of AIDA64 Extreme that addresses this vulnerability. The vulnerable version 5.99.4900 should be replaced with the latest release available from the vendor. Consult the AIDA64 Official Website for current version information and download links.

Workarounds

• Disable logging functionality in AIDA64 Extreme if it is not operationally required
• Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from modifying application preferences
• Use application sandboxing or virtualization to isolate AIDA64 Extreme from critical system resources
• Monitor and restrict write access to AIDA64 configuration files