CVE-2019-25546 in NetAware
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2026
NetAware 1.20 contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Share Name field that allows local attackers to crash the application by supplying an excessively long string. Attackers can trigger a denial of service by pasting a 1000-byte buffer into the Share Name parameter when adding a new share through the Manage Shares interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25546 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within NetAware version 1.20 that specifically targets the Share Name field processing functionality. This issue resides in the application's input validation mechanisms where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory segments. The vulnerability manifests when users attempt to add new shares through the Manage Shares interface, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited through legitimate application interaction pathways. The attack vector requires local privilege escalation as the exploit can be executed by any user with access to the application's interface, though it does not require elevated system privileges beyond normal user access. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space allocation leads to memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper string handling within the Share Name parameter validation routine. When a 1000-byte string is pasted into the Share Name field, the application's internal buffer allocation cannot accommodate such input size, leading to memory overwrite conditions that ultimately cause application termination. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of user-supplied data without adequate bounds verification, creating a predictable crash scenario that results in denial of service. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which encompasses network denial of service attacks, though it operates at the application level rather than network infrastructure. The specific memory corruption pattern suggests that the application uses unsafe string handling functions such as strcpy or strcat without proper length validation, which directly contributes to the exploitable condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability as it can be leveraged to disrupt normal business operations within environments where NetAware is deployed. Organizations relying on this network monitoring tool for traffic analysis and bandwidth management may experience service interruptions that affect network visibility and administrative capabilities. The local nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require network access or complex attack chains, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the application. System administrators may face challenges in identifying the root cause of application crashes, as the behavior manifests as unexpected termination rather than more sophisticated attack patterns. The vulnerability can be systematically exploited through automated means, potentially enabling attackers to repeatedly disrupt service availability or create conditions for more complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25546 should prioritize immediate patching of affected NetAware installations, as this represents a straightforward remediation approach that addresses the root cause of the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement input validation controls that enforce strict length limitations on all user-supplied data, particularly within fields that process network share information. The application should be configured to use safe string handling functions and implement proper bounds checking mechanisms to prevent memory corruption scenarios. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit potential exploitation by restricting local access to the application interface. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual application termination patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defensive programming practices and adherence to secure coding standards, particularly in applications handling user input through graphical interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to the application that might introduce additional attack vectors. Regular vulnerability assessments and security testing of network monitoring tools should be integrated into operational procedures to identify similar conditions before they can be exploited by malicious actors.