CVE-2019-25598 in Portable
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2026
HeidiSQL Portable 10.1.0.5464 contains a denial of service vulnerability that allows local attackers to crash the application by supplying an excessively long string in the password field. Attackers can paste a buffer overflow payload into the password input during Microsoft SQL Server login to trigger an application crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25598 resides within HeidiSQL Portable version 10.1.0.5464, a widely used database management tool that allows users to connect to various database systems including Microsoft SQL Server. This particular flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the application fails to properly validate input length during the authentication process. The vulnerability specifically targets the password field in the Microsoft SQL Server login interface, making it particularly concerning for users who rely on this tool for database administration tasks. The issue manifests as a local denial of service condition that can be exploited by attackers with access to the system where HeidiSQL is installed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's authentication handling code. When a user attempts to connect to a Microsoft SQL Server instance through HeidiSQL, the tool processes the provided credentials, including the password field, without proper bounds checking. This allows an attacker to input an excessively long string that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption and subsequent application crash. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires local system access to exploit, making it a local privilege escalation vector rather than a remote attack. The buffer overflow occurs during the password field processing, which falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the availability of the HeidiSQL application, forcing users to restart the tool and potentially interrupting database administration tasks. The denial of service condition affects system reliability and can cause disruptions in database management workflows, particularly in environments where administrators frequently connect to multiple SQL Server instances. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a portable version of the application, meaning it could be present in various deployment scenarios including development environments, administrative workstations, and potentially in enterprise settings where portable tools are used for database management tasks. The attack vector requires only local access, making it accessible to users with basic system privileges, and does not require network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers "Utilities: Service Stop," as the application crash effectively stops the normal operation of the database management tool. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1059.001, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," in scenarios where attackers might use scripting to automate the injection of malicious payloads into the password field. Organizations using HeidiSQL Portable should consider implementing input validation controls and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper software testing and code review practices, particularly for applications that handle user input in authentication contexts. Security teams should prioritize patching this vulnerability in all instances of HeidiSQL Portable 10.1.0.5464 to maintain application availability and prevent potential exploitation that could lead to more serious security incidents. The issue represents a fundamental software quality problem that affects the robustness of the application and could potentially be leveraged as a stepping stone in more complex attack scenarios.