CVE-2006-2909 in PicoZip
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the info tip shell extension (zipinfo.dll) in PicoZip 4.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename in an (1) ACE, (2) RAR, or (3) ZIP archive, which is triggered when the user moves the mouse over the archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2909 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the info tip shell extension component of PicoZip version 4.01. This flaw specifically affects the zipinfo.dll module which handles the display of file information tips in Windows shell environments. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the Windows shell's automatic file information display feature, where user interaction with archive files triggers the problematic code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic stack buffer overflow condition where malicious input exceeds the allocated buffer space within the zipinfo.dll extension. When users navigate through file archives using the Windows shell interface, the system automatically invokes the info tip extension to display file metadata. This extension fails to properly validate the length of filenames within ACE, RAR, or ZIP archive formats, allowing attackers to craft specially constructed archive files containing excessively long filenames that overwrite adjacent stack memory. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond the simple act of hovering over the malicious archive file, making it highly exploitable in social engineering scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the victim's system. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker creating a malicious archive file with an oversized filename that triggers the buffer overflow when the user's mouse cursor hovers over the archive in Windows Explorer. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through a client-side vulnerability.
The exploitation process requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns or malicious file distribution scenarios where users might simply browse to a directory containing the compromised archive. The vulnerability affects Windows systems that have PicoZip 4.01 installed and are using the Windows shell extension for archive file handling. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw because the attacker does not need physical access to the system, and the attack can be initiated through network-delivered malicious files. The security implications extend to enterprise environments where users might inadvertently encounter such malicious archives, potentially leading to full system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable PicoZip software to version 4.02 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections. Additionally, system administrators should implement restrictive file type handling policies and disable shell extensions for archive files when possible. The recommended approach includes disabling the problematic zipinfo.dll extension through registry modifications or implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of known vulnerable components. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training to educate users about the risks of interacting with untrusted archive files and the importance of verifying file sources before opening them in Windows Explorer.