CVE-2004-0769 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in LHA allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long pathnames in LHarc format 2 headers for a .LHZ archive, as originally demonstrated using the "x" option but also exploitable through "l" and "v", and fixed in header.c, a different issue than CVE-2004-0771.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0769 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the LHA archiving utility that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted archive files. This vulnerability specifically targets the LHarc format version 2 header processing within .LHZ archive files, where the software fails to properly validate the length of pathnames contained in the archive metadata. The flaw exists in the header.c component of the LHA software, which handles the parsing of archive headers and is distinct from the related vulnerability CVE-2004-0771 that affects different aspects of the same software suite.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the LHA utility processes archive headers containing excessively long pathnames that exceed the allocated buffer space in memory. When attackers provide maliciously constructed .LHZ files with extended pathnames in the LHarc format 2 headers, the software's insufficient bounds checking causes data to overflow into adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through multiple command-line options including "x" for extraction, "l" for listing, and "v" for verbose listing, making it exploitable across various operational scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for systems that process untrusted archive files. Attackers can leverage this flaw to compromise systems running vulnerable LHA versions without requiring local access or authentication, making it a particularly attractive target for remote exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability affects any system where LHA software is installed and used to process archive files, including servers that handle file uploads, automated backup systems, and networked environments where archive files are shared and processed. The exploitation potential is further amplified by the fact that many systems automatically process archive files without proper validation, creating numerous attack vectors where this vulnerability could be leveraged.
Security mitigations for CVE-2004-0769 primarily involve immediate patching of the LHA software to address the buffer overflow in header.c, which was implemented in subsequent releases. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as validating archive contents before processing, implementing strict limits on pathname lengths in archive headers, and using sandboxed environments for archive processing. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no systems remain vulnerable to this or related archive processing vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through software exploitation, where attackers leverage known vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges and establish persistent access to compromised systems.