CVE-2006-5937 in AVG Anti-Virus
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus before 7.1.407 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted (1) CAB or (2) RAR archives that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5937 represents a critical security flaw in Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus software versions prior to 7.1.407. This vulnerability stems from multiple integer overflows that occur during the processing of compressed archive files, specifically affecting CAB and RAR formats. The flaw exists within the archive extraction and parsing mechanisms of the antivirus software, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can be triggered by maliciously crafted archive files. The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with decompression routines in security software, where the very tools designed to protect systems can become entry points for attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves integer overflow conditions that occur when the antivirus software processes archive headers and metadata. When parsing CAB or RAR files, the software fails to properly validate integer values used for buffer allocation and memory management, leading to situations where calculated buffer sizes become negative or excessively large. This improper validation results in heap-based buffer overflows, where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, specifically manifesting as heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw demonstrates how improper input validation in decompression libraries can create exploitable conditions that bypass traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of AVG Anti-Virus. Attackers can craft malicious CAB or RAR archives that, when processed by the antivirus software, trigger the buffer overflow conditions and potentially gain unauthorized code execution privileges. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where the security tool itself becomes a vector for compromise, potentially allowing attackers to bypass the very protection mechanisms that should safeguard the system. The vulnerability affects both the local system and remote execution scenarios, as attackers can deliver malicious archives through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability undermines the trust model of endpoint protection software and represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where antivirus solutions are deployed.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers leverage compromised systems to execute malicious code. The vulnerability also relates to T1070.004 for indicator of compromise removal, as attackers may attempt to cover their tracks by exploiting security tools. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to AVG Anti-Virus version 7.1.407 or later, which contains patches addressing the integer overflow conditions. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious archive file transfers and deploy application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough input validation and memory safety practices in security software development, particularly in decompression and archive handling components. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potential integer overflow conditions in their security tooling and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to maintain protection against similar threats.