CVE-2005-0602 in unzip
Summary
by MITRE
unzip 5.51 and earlier does not properly warn the user when extracting setuid or setgid files which may allow local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0602 affects unzip versions 5.51 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper warning mechanisms during file extraction operations. This flaw specifically relates to the handling of setuid and setgid file attributes within compressed archives, creating potential privilege escalation pathways for local attackers. The vulnerability stems from the software's failure to adequately alert users when encountering files with elevated permissions during decompression processes, allowing malicious actors to exploit this oversight for unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the unzip utility's extraction logic where it processes file attributes without proper validation of security implications. When unzip encounters files with setuid or setgid bits set within compressed archives, the software does not provide clear warnings to users about the potential security risks associated with executing files that could elevate privileges. This behavior creates a dangerous scenario where unsuspecting users might extract and execute malicious files without understanding the implications of their execution context. The flaw directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to potentially escalate their privileges by manipulating compressed archives containing setuid or setgid files. Attackers could craft malicious archives with specially designed files that, when extracted, would execute with elevated privileges belonging to other users or system services. This poses particular risk in multi-user environments where users might extract archives from untrusted sources without proper security awareness. The vulnerability essentially bypasses normal privilege checking mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized execution of privileged code, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader system compromise potential. When users extract archives without proper warnings, they inadvertently execute code with elevated privileges that could modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1548.001 which covers abuse of legitimate privileges. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader privilege escalation attack surface analysis, particularly in environments where users have the ability to extract compressed files from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0602 should prioritize immediate software updates to unzip versions 5.52 or later, which address the improper warning behavior. System administrators should implement strict file permission controls and user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of extracting archives from untrusted sources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect and flag potentially malicious archives containing setuid or setgid files. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual extraction activities and privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and user awareness training as fundamental defense mechanisms against such exploitation vectors.