CVE-2025-1366 Overview
CVE-2025-1366 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in MicroWorld eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 on Linux. The flaw resides in the strcpy function call within the VirusPopUp component. An authenticated local attacker can trigger memory corruption by supplying oversized input to the vulnerable function. The exploit details have been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic abuse. MicroWorld was notified before publication but did not respond to the disclosure. The weakness is classified under [CWE-119] (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer).
Critical Impact
A local attacker with low privileges can corrupt stack memory in the VirusPopUp component, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the antivirus process.
Affected Products
- MicroWorld eScan Anti-Virus 7.0.32 (Linux)
- Component: VirusPopUp
- Vulnerable function: strcpy
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-17 - CVE-2025-1366 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-1366
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability lives in the VirusPopUp binary shipped with eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 for Linux. The component invokes strcpy without validating the length of the source buffer against the destination buffer size. When an attacker-controlled string exceeds the destination stack buffer, adjacent stack memory is overwritten, including saved return addresses and frame pointers.
The issue is a classic stack-based buffer overflow rooted in the use of an unbounded C string copy routine. Because VirusPopUp executes on the local system and interacts with user-supplied data paths from the antivirus workflow, an attacker with local access can craft input that reaches the vulnerable copy operation. Exploitation requires local access and low-level privileges on the host.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of strcpy, a function that performs no bounds checking, against a fixed-size stack buffer inside VirusPopUp. Safe alternatives such as strncpy, strlcpy, or explicit length validation are not applied prior to the copy. This class of defect maps to [CWE-119].
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local. An authenticated user on the Linux host supplies crafted input that flows into the VirusPopUp component and reaches the vulnerable strcpy call. The overflow corrupts stack frames belonging to the antivirus process. Depending on the memory layout and mitigations enabled on the target binary, this can lead to controlled overwrite of the return address and execution redirection. Public disclosure of the vulnerability details lowers the barrier to weaponization.
Detailed technical write-up is available in the GitHub Vulnerability Report and the VulDB entry #295970.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-1366
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes, segmentation faults, or core dumps produced by the VirusPopUp process on Linux hosts running eScan 7.0.32.
- Presence of the vulnerable binary version confirmed via package inventory of escanav:escan_anti-virus at version 7.0.32.
- Abnormal child processes spawned by VirusPopUp or the eScan service outside routine antivirus operations.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Linux endpoints for eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 and flag any host running the affected build.
- Monitor for repeated crashes of VirusPopUp in system logs (/var/log/messages, journalctl, or dmesg) as a potential exploitation signal.
- Alert on unexpected process lineage where VirusPopUp spawns shells, interpreters, or network utilities.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Linux audit and syslog data to a centralized analytics platform for correlation across hosts.
- Track file writes and process launches originating from the eScan installation directory.
- Watch for outbound connections initiated by the antivirus process that deviate from vendor update endpoints.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-1366
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all Linux systems running eScan Antivirus 7.0.32 and prioritize them for review.
- Restrict local access on affected systems to trusted administrators until a fix is applied.
- Contact MicroWorld support directly for guidance, as the vendor did not respond to the public disclosure.
Patch Information
No vendor patch is referenced in the CVE record at the time of publication. MicroWorld did not respond to disclosure attempts, and no fixed version has been advertised. Track the VulDB entry #295970 and the vendor's channels for updates.
Workarounds
- Reduce the number of local user accounts on hosts running eScan 7.0.32 to limit exposure to local exploitation.
- Apply Linux hardening (stack canaries, ASLR, non-executable stacks) at the OS level to raise the cost of successful exploitation.
- Consider replacing or supplementing eScan with an alternative endpoint protection product on affected Linux hosts until a fix is released.
# Identify affected eScan installations on Linux hosts
dpkg -l | grep -i escan
rpm -qa | grep -i escan
# Confirm presence of the vulnerable component
find / -name 'VirusPopUp' -type f 2>/dev/null
# Restrict execution of the vulnerable binary as an interim control
chmod 750 /path/to/VirusPopUp
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
