CVE-2019-25629 in Extreme
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2026
AIDA64 Extreme 5.99.4900 contains a structured exception handler buffer overflow vulnerability in the logging functionality that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying a malicious CSV log file path. Attackers can inject shellcode through the Hardware Monitoring logging preferences to overflow the buffer and trigger code execution when the application processes the log file path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25629 resides within AIDA64 Extreme version 5.99.4900, a system information and diagnostic tool widely used for hardware monitoring and performance analysis. This particular flaw manifests as a structured exception handler buffer overflow within the application's logging functionality, specifically affecting how the software processes CSV log file paths. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the software's integrity and can be exploited by local attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly concerning given AIDA64's privileged position in system diagnostics and its frequent use in enterprise environments where it may run with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the logging subsystem. When the application processes hardware monitoring preferences, it fails to properly bounds-check the CSV log file path supplied by users. This allows attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a buffer overflow condition that corrupts adjacent memory locations. The structured exception handler mechanism, designed to manage program exceptions, becomes compromised when the overflow occurs, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow to malicious shellcode. The vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow with a structured exception handling (SEH) overwrite, which is documented under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and additionally relates to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential privilege escalation capabilities. Local attackers who can influence the logging preferences or manipulate CSV log files can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the running AIDA64 process. This could result in complete system compromise, especially if the application is running with administrative privileges during hardware monitoring operations. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond the creation of a malicious CSV file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might inadvertently process untrusted log files. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25629 should focus on immediate patching of the affected AIDA64 Extreme version, as the vendor has released updates addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation controls and sanitize all user-supplied data paths before processing, particularly in logging functionalities. Additional protective measures include running the application with reduced privileges, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns related to CSV log processing. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions should be configured to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of third-party applications, particularly those with elevated system privileges, as highlighted in the NIST SP 800-53 security controls for vulnerability management and system security planning.