CVE-2005-3262 in WinRar
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in RARLAB WinRAR 2.90 through 3.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a UUE/XXE file, which are not properly handled when WinRAR displays diagnostic errors related to an invalid filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3262 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting RARLAB WinRAR versions 2.90 through 3.50. This flaw resides in the application's handling of diagnostic error messages when processing malformed UUE (Unix-to-Unix Encoding) and XXE (X-encoded) files, creating a pathway for remote code execution through carefully crafted malicious input. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of input validation and error message processing, where the software fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into format string operations. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when WinRAR encounters a malformed UUE or XXE file during archive processing, particularly when the application attempts to display diagnostic error messages containing invalid filenames. The software's error handling routine incorporates user-controlled data directly into format string arguments without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject format specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow. When the application processes these malformed files, it passes the unvalidated filename data to printf-style functions, enabling attackers to overwrite memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption leads to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running WinRAR, effectively providing attackers with a remote code execution capability.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3262 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on WinRAR for file decompression. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file processing is common. The vulnerability affects systems where WinRAR is installed and executed, potentially compromising entire networks if attackers successfully exploit it on a single endpoint. The widespread use of WinRAR in both personal and enterprise computing environments increases the attack surface significantly, as the vulnerability can be triggered through legitimate file processing operations that users perform daily.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3262 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WinRAR versions, as RARLAB released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also monitoring for suspicious file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider disabling automatic decompression of files from untrusted sources and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable software versions. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help prevent accidental exploitation through phishing or social engineering attacks that deliver malicious files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in error handling routines where user-supplied data might be incorporated into diagnostic messages. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting format string vulnerabilities, as these attacks often follow predictable patterns in memory corruption and code execution.