CVE-2018-25360 in Auto PingMaster
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2026
AgataSoft Auto PingMaster 1.5 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Trace Route host name field that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by triggering structured exception handling. Attackers can craft a malicious ping.txt file with shellcode and jump instructions that overwrite the SEH handler pointer to achieve code execution when the file contents are pasted into the application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2026
The AgataSoft Auto PingMaster 1.5 application presents a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that arises from improper input validation within the Trace Route host name field. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including the structured exception handler chain. The flaw exists due to the application's failure to properly validate or limit the length of user-supplied input when processing ping.txt files, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through legitimate application functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the structured exception handling mechanism within the Windows operating system. When attackers craft a malicious ping.txt file containing carefully constructed shellcode and jump instructions, they can overwrite the structured exception handler pointer located on the stack. This overwrite allows the attacker to redirect program execution flow to their malicious code, effectively achieving arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal application operations when users paste content into the Trace Route field, making it difficult to prevent through user education alone.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local attackers who can convince victims to open malicious ping.txt files gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects any system running Auto PingMaster 1.5 where the application is executed with user privileges, as the stack-based overflow allows for privilege escalation through controlled code execution. This represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently execute malicious files or where social engineering attacks could exploit the application's legitimate functionality to deliver payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term application hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a version that properly validates input length and implements stack canary protections to detect and prevent buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, implementing input validation controls within the application to limit the maximum length of host name fields and employing stack-based buffer overflow protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization can significantly reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted files and regularly audit application configurations to ensure proper input validation is maintained. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through file-based payloads, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures against such attack vectors.