CVE-2019-25633: AIDA64 Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2019-25633 Overview

CVE-2019-25633 is a structured exception handling (SEH) buffer overflow vulnerability in AIDA64 Extreme version 5.99.4900. This vulnerability allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying malicious input through the email preferences and report wizard interfaces. Attackers can inject crafted payloads into the Display name field and Load from file parameter to trigger the overflow and execute shellcode with application privileges.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution with application-level privileges through a buffer overflow in the SEH chain, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Affected Products

• AIDA64 Extreme version 5.99.4900
• Systems running vulnerable AIDA64 installations with local access

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-24 - CVE-2019-25633 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2019-25633

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), manifesting as a structured exception handling buffer overflow in AIDA64 Extreme. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input within the email preferences and report wizard components. When an attacker provides oversized or specially crafted data through these interfaces, the application fails to properly validate input boundaries, allowing the overflow to corrupt the SEH chain on the stack.

The vulnerability requires local access to exploit, meaning an attacker must already have access to the system where AIDA64 is installed. However, once exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the AIDA64 application, which typically runs with user-level permissions. This could facilitate privilege escalation attacks or serve as a persistence mechanism.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2019-25633 lies in insufficient input validation within AIDA64 Extreme's email configuration and report wizard functionality. Specifically, the application does not properly sanitize or bounds-check data entered into the Display name field and the Load from file parameter. This lack of validation allows attackers to overflow the buffer and overwrite the SEH chain with attacker-controlled data, including a pointer to shellcode.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed locally through the AIDA64 Extreme application interface. An attacker crafts malicious input containing padding, SEH overwrite addresses, and shellcode payload. The attack sequence typically involves:

1. Accessing the email preferences or report wizard interface within AIDA64 Extreme
2. Injecting a crafted payload into the Display name field or using a malicious file with the Load from file parameter
3. The oversized input overflows the buffer and overwrites the SEH chain
4. When an exception is triggered, the corrupted SEH handler redirects execution to attacker-controlled shellcode
5. The shellcode executes with the privileges of the AIDA64 process

This exploitation technique leverages the classic SEH overwrite methodology, where the attacker overwrites the exception handler pointer to gain control of program execution. Technical details and proof-of-concept information are available through the Exploit-DB #46636 and VulnCheck AIDA64 Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25633

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual crash logs or exceptions originating from AIDA64 Extreme processes
• Suspicious memory access patterns or SEH chain modifications in process memory
• Unexpected child processes spawned by aida64.exe
• Presence of shellcode patterns in application memory segments
• Abnormal network activity from AIDA64 processes if post-exploitation includes network communication

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for abnormal behavior in AIDA64 Extreme processes, including unexpected crashes or exception handling
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect SEH overwrite exploitation patterns
• Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution from compromised applications
• Implement memory integrity monitoring to detect stack corruption and SEH chain manipulation

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable crash dump collection for AIDA64 processes to analyze potential exploitation attempts
• Configure alerts for unusual process behavior associated with system information utilities
• Monitor for new or modified files in AIDA64 installation directories
• Review system logs for application crashes correlated with user input operations

How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25633

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade AIDA64 Extreme to the latest version available from the official AIDA64 website
• Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable AIDA64 installations
• Implement application control policies to limit execution of potentially vulnerable software
• Consider temporarily removing or disabling AIDA64 Extreme until patching is complete

Patch Information

Users should upgrade to a patched version of AIDA64 Extreme. The vulnerable version is 5.99.4900, and users should obtain the latest release from the official vendor. Check the AIDA64 Official Site for current version information and download links. No specific vendor advisory has been published for this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to the AIDA64 Extreme application to trusted users only
• Use application sandboxing or virtualization to isolate AIDA64 from critical system components
• Implement Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) at the system level to make exploitation more difficult
• Monitor and audit usage of the email preferences and report wizard features within the application