CVE-2005-3317 in ZipGenius
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in ZipGenius 5.5.1.468 and 6.0.2.1041, and other versions before 6.0.2.1050, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a ZIP archive that contains a file with a long filename, which is not properly handled by (a) zipgenius.exe, (b) zg.exe, (c) zgtips.dll, and (d) contmenu.dll; (2) a long original name in a (a) UUE, (b) XXE, or (c) MIM file, which is not properly handled by zipgenius.exe; or (3) an ACE archive with a file with a long filename, which is not properly handled by unacev2.dll.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue affecting ZipGenius software versions prior to 6.0.2.1050, specifically targeting multiple executable components and dynamic link libraries within the application suite. The flaw manifests through improper handling of long filename inputs during archive processing operations, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability affects core components including zipgenius.exe, zg.exe, zgtips.dll, contmenu.dll, and unacev2.dll, demonstrating a widespread impact across the application's architecture. These buffer overflows occur when the software attempts to process archive files containing excessively long filenames without proper bounds checking mechanisms, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation permits attackers to exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite return addresses or other critical stack data. The attack vectors specifically target three distinct file format processing pathways: standard zip archives with long filenames, uuencoded, xxe, and mime files containing extended original names, and ace archives with lengthy file names. Each of these pathways involves different internal processing functions but shares the common weakness of inadequate input length validation. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability category due to its potential for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique, specifically targeting application layer vulnerabilities through file processing mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems processing or viewing zip archives, particularly in environments where users may unknowingly open maliciously crafted archive files. The widespread nature of the affected components means that exploitation could occur through various attack vectors, increasing the overall risk surface. Organizations using vulnerable versions of ZipGenius face significant exposure, as the vulnerability can be triggered through legitimate archive processing operations without requiring special privileges or complex attack chains. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where archive files are frequently shared and processed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of all affected ZipGenius versions to 6.0.2.1050 or later, which contain the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should implement network segmentation and file scanning policies to prevent execution of untrusted archive files, particularly in high-value environments. Additional protective measures include disabling automatic archive extraction in web browsers and email clients, implementing application whitelisting for legitimate software, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of archive processing systems. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for archive processing and establishing secure file handling protocols to minimize the risk of exploitation. Regular security awareness training for users can help prevent accidental execution of malicious archive files through social engineering attacks that exploit this vulnerability.