CVE-2019-25485
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in R 3.4.4 on Windows x64 systems that allows local attackers to bypass DEP and ASLR protections. By injecting crafted payloads through the Language for menus preference field, attackers can execute arbitrary shellcode with application privileges. Only users running the specific vulnerable version on Windows x64 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- R
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local attacker gains full control of the R application process, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or installation of persistent malware on the system.
Likely Case
Local user with malicious intent executes arbitrary code within the R application context, potentially accessing sensitive data processed by R or using the application as a foothold for further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and limited user privileges, impact is contained to the user's own session and data, preventing system-wide compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires local access to modify GUI preferences and knowledge of structured exception handler manipulation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: R 3.5.0 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://cran.r-project.org/bin/windows/base/old/3.4.4/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download and install R version 3.5.0 or later from https://cran.r-project.org. 2. Uninstall the vulnerable R 3.4.4 version. 3. Restart the system to ensure all R processes are terminated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict GUI Access
windowsPrevent users from accessing R GUI preferences menu through group policies or application restrictions
Use Command Line Only
windowsConfigure R to run in command-line mode only, bypassing the vulnerable GUI component
R.exe --no-save --no-restore --no-site-file --no-init-file
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can run R applications on Windows systems
- Monitor for unusual R process behavior or attempts to modify R configuration files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check R version by running 'R --version' in command prompt. If output shows 'R version 3.4.4' and you're on Windows x64, you're vulnerable.Check Version:
R --versionVerify Fix Applied:
After upgrading, run 'R --version' to confirm version is 3.5.0 or higher. Test that the Language preference menu functions normally without crashes.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple R process crashes
- Unusual modifications to R preferences files
- Attempts to write to R installation directory
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND ProcessName="Rgui.exe" AND Version="3.4.4"