CVE-2001-1270 in Pkzip
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the console version of PKZip (pkzipc) 4.00 and earlier allows attackers to overwrite arbitrary files during archive extraction with the -rec (recursive) option via a .. (dot dot) attack on the archived files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1270 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the console version of PKZip compression utility version 4.00 and earlier. This security weakness specifically affects the pkzipc command-line tool's handling of archive extraction operations when the -rec (recursive) option is employed. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate file paths within archived content, potentially leading to arbitrary file overwrite operations on the target system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the extraction process, allowing attackers to exploit the .. (dot dot) traversal sequence to navigate outside the intended extraction directory.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates at the core of file system path manipulation, where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths contained within compressed archives. When the -rec option is used, the extraction process processes directory structures recursively, but does not adequately verify that extracted file paths remain within the designated target directory. The use of .. sequences in archived filenames allows attackers to specify parent directory references that bypass normal extraction boundaries. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic weakness in input validation where untrusted data from archive contents is directly processed without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, configuration files, or even executable programs, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The recursive nature of the -rec option amplifies the attack surface, as it allows for complex path manipulation across multiple directory levels within the archive structure. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where users may extract archives from untrusted sources, as the attack can be executed through seemingly benign archive content. The flaw can be exploited in various attack scenarios including privilege escalation, data corruption, and system disruption, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments and security-conscious organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1270 should prioritize immediate patching of affected PKZip versions, as the vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in path handling that cannot be adequately addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and limit the execution of archive extraction utilities with recursive options on systems handling untrusted content. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications handling file system operations. Security measures should include implementing proper path validation, restricting file extraction to predetermined safe directories, and employing file type restrictions for archive contents. Additionally, regular security assessments of compression utilities and other file handling tools should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1566 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies.