CVE-2026-45181 in IDA
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2026
Hex-Rays IDA Pro 9.2 and 9.3 before 9.3sp2 does not block Clang dependency-file generation (via argument injection), which allows attackers to place their code into a plugins directry if the victim uses an attacker-supplied .i64 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
This vulnerability exists in Hex-Rays IDA Pro versions 9.2 and 9.3 prior to 9.3sp2 where the software fails to properly sanitize command line arguments during clang dependency file generation operations. The flaw allows for argument injection attacks that can be exploited through maliciously crafted .i64 files supplied by attackers. When a victim opens such a file, the application processes it without adequate input validation, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary command line arguments that ultimately result in code execution within the plugin directory context. This represents a critical security weakness that aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-78 vulnerability categories, where improper input handling leads to command injection scenarios. The attack vector specifically leverages the software's dependency file processing functionality to manipulate the execution flow of the application. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running IDA Pro, potentially leading to full system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it allows for persistent malicious presence through plugin directory manipulation, which can be leveraged for long-term access or to establish additional attack vectors.
The vulnerability operates through a chain of exploitation where the attacker first crafts a malicious .i64 file containing specially formatted command line arguments that are then processed by the clang dependency generation feature. This processing occurs without proper sanitization or validation of the input arguments, creating an injection point that can be used to manipulate the software's behavior. The security implications are particularly severe because IDA Pro is widely used in security research, malware analysis, and reverse engineering contexts where users may encounter untrusted files from various sources. The attack model follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, where the attacker leverages the legitimate software functionality to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation is facilitated by the software's trust model which does not adequately validate inputs from external sources, particularly when these inputs are processed through dependency file generation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and argument sanitization within the clang dependency file processing functionality. Users should immediately upgrade to IDA Pro 9.3sp2 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced argument validation mechanisms. Security measures should include restricting the execution of potentially malicious files through sandboxing or virtualization techniques, particularly when dealing with untrusted binary analysis files. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The fix implemented by Hex-Rays addresses the root cause by ensuring that command line arguments passed to clang dependency generation are properly sanitized and validated before processing. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted .i64 files and the importance of verifying file integrity through digital signatures or other authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in development tools and the need for comprehensive input validation even in specialized software used for security analysis purposes. The remediation approach aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards that emphasize the importance of validating and sanitizing all external inputs to prevent injection attacks.