CVE-2019-9017 in DameWare Mini Remote Control
Summary
by MITRE
DWRCC in SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control 10.0 x64 has a Buffer Overflow associated with the size field for the machine name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9017 affects SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control version 10.0 x64 and represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the DWRCC component. This flaw manifests when processing the size field for machine names, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the remote control application's handling of network communication protocols.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the DWRCC component receives a malformed machine name parameter containing an oversized size field. This condition violates standard memory allocation boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of network packets where machine name information is processed, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where remote connections are established. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it a significant security concern for organizations relying on remote access capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9017 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates potential pathways for full system compromise and persistent access within network environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially gaining administrative privileges and establishing backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects organizations using SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control in enterprise environments where remote system administration is common, creating widespread exposure across multiple network segments. The nature of the flaw means that exploitation could occur during normal remote connection establishment processes, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of SolarWinds security patches and updates released to address the buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed machine name parameters and other indicators of compromise. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software version and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for ATT&CK technique T1021.001, which covers remote services exploitation. Given the nature of the vulnerability, system administrators should also review and harden remote access protocols to minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation attempts.