CVE-2019-25656 R-Project CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of R i386 3.5.0 should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. Local attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. System administrators and security teams should review the vulnerability and implement necessary controls to prevent exploitation.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a buffer overflow in the GUI Preferences dialog of R i386 3.5.0. When a user supplies a malicious input string in the 'Language for menus and messages' field, it can overwrite SEH records, leading to code execution. The vulnerability allows local attackers to trigger a structured exception handler (SEH) overwrite by supplying malicious input. This can lead to code execution with calculator or arbitrary shellcode. Users of R i386 3.5.0 should verify the affected scope and severity with the vendor and take steps to mitigate the vulnerability. Local attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. System administrators and security teams should review the vulnerability and implement necessary controls to prevent exploitation.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Inventory and check for R i386 3.5.0 installations
• Limit local access to sensitive systems
• Monitor for suspicious activity
• Apply vendor remediation when available
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-04-05T21:16:42.173Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Deferred. There is limited information available about the vulnerability, and defenders should verify the affected scope and severity with the vendor. The vulnerability is caused by a buffer overflow in the GUI Preferences dialog of R i386 3.5.0.

Official resources