CVE-2018-25224 in PMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2026
PMS 0.42 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows local unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying malicious values in the configuration file. Attackers can craft configuration files with oversized input that overflows the stack buffer and execute shell commands via return-oriented programming gadgets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25224 affects PMS version 0.42 and represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw that fundamentally compromises system integrity. This vulnerability exists within the configuration file processing mechanism where the software fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size stack buffers. The flaw enables local unauthenticated attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges, creating a severe security risk for systems running this version of the software. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes configuration files containing oversized input values that exceed the allocated stack buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of stack buffer overflow attacks that leverage return-oriented programming techniques to achieve code execution. When malicious input exceeds the predefined buffer limits, it overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting the stack frame and overwriting the return address of the calling function. Attackers can craft specific configuration files that contain carefully constructed payloads designed to overwrite the instruction pointer and redirect execution flow to malicious code or existing code gadgets within the program's memory space. This approach enables attackers to execute shell commands and gain elevated privileges without requiring authentication or network access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-25224 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged for persistent system compromise. Since the vulnerability requires only local access and no authentication, it significantly broadens the attack surface for systems running vulnerable PMS versions. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or when system accounts have elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as attackers can leverage the overflow to execute arbitrary shell commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of PMS that properly validates input lengths and implements proper bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement configuration file validation procedures that reject oversized inputs and establish strict input sanitization protocols before any configuration data is processed. Additional defensive measures include implementing mandatory access controls, restricting local user access to configuration files, and deploying runtime protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with industry best practices outlined in secure coding guidelines and emphasizing the need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in software development lifecycle processes.