CVE-2006-4116 in Lhaz
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Lhaz before 1.32 allow user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename in (1) an LHZ archive, when saving the filename during extraction; and (2) an LHZ archive with an invalid CRC checksum, when constructing an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4116 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue affecting the Lhaz archive extraction utility version 1.31 and earlier. This flaw exists within the software's handling of archive filenames and error message construction, creating exploitable conditions that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability specifically targets two distinct operational contexts within the Lhaz application where filename processing occurs during archive extraction and error handling scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the Lhaz software's archive processing routines. When processing LHZ archives, the application fails to properly validate the length of filenames before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where an attacker can provide a maliciously long filename that exceeds the allocated buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent stack memory including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability manifests in two specific scenarios: first during the extraction process when saving filenames from LHZ archives, and second when handling archives with invalid CRC checksums, where the error message construction routine fails to properly bound the filename length before incorporating it into the error output string.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the Lhaz process, which typically runs with the permissions of the user performing the archive extraction. This could lead to privilege escalation, data theft, or system takeover depending on the target environment and user context. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that the vulnerability requires some form of user interaction or specific archive manipulation, but the attack vector remains significant given that many users may unknowingly encounter maliciously crafted archive files during routine operations. The vulnerability's presence in both extraction and error handling contexts increases the attack surface, as the flaw can be triggered through legitimate archive processing activities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The attack pattern corresponds to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell, as exploitation could involve command injection through the arbitrary code execution capability. The vulnerability also reflects common software security weaknesses identified in the OWASP Top 10, particularly in the area of injection flaws and insufficient input validation. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement monitoring for suspicious archive processing activities. Mitigation strategies should include input validation at multiple levels, stack protection mechanisms, and regular security assessments of archive processing utilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper bounds checking in legacy software systems and highlights the ongoing need for security updates in widely used open source utilities.