CVE-2018-25258 in RGui
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2026
RGui 3.5.0 contains a local buffer overflow vulnerability in the GUI preferences dialog that allows attackers to bypass DEP protections through structured exception handling exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious input in the Language for menus and messages field to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow, execute a ROP chain for VirtualAlloc allocation, and achieve arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25258 represents a critical local buffer overflow flaw within RGui version 3.5.0 that resides in the graphical user interface preferences dialog. This vulnerability specifically targets the Language for menus and messages field, which serves as an entry point for malicious input that can be exploited to compromise system security. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the application's handling of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures through structured exception handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the application processes user input in the specified field without proper size limitations. This overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and manipulate the program's execution flow through structured exception handling exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables bypass of Data Execution Prevention protections, which are fundamental security mechanisms designed to prevent code execution from non-executable memory regions. The exploitation process leverages return-oriented programming techniques to construct a ROP chain that facilitates VirtualAlloc memory allocation, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution within the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method to execute malicious code while circumventing modern security protections. The ability to bypass DEP protections through structured exception handling exploitation demonstrates the advanced nature of the attack vector and its potential for widespread compromise. Attackers can craft specific input payloads that trigger the buffer overflow, manipulate the stack to redirect execution flow, and then utilize the ROP chain to allocate executable memory regions where malicious code can be loaded and executed. This vulnerability affects users running RGui 3.5.0 and creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond normal user access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-25258 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability in the GUI preferences dialog. System administrators should implement input validation measures that enforce strict bounds checking on all user-supplied data within the application's interface elements. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a critical security flaw that enables arbitrary code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through structured exception handling and memory manipulation, specifically targeting the T1055 category of Execution through API calls. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted code and deploy additional security controls such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to further reduce exploitability.