CVE-2007-0264 in Winzip
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Winzip32.exe in WinZip 9.0 allows local users to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument. NOTE: this issue may cross privilege boundaries if an application automatically invokes Winzip32.exe for untrusted input filenames, as in the case of a file upload application. NOTE: The provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0264 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Winzip32.exe component of WinZip version 9.0, constituting a significant security weakness that can be exploited to compromise system integrity and availability. This buffer overflow occurs when the application processes command line arguments, specifically when handling excessively long input parameters that exceed the allocated buffer space. The flaw exists at the core of the application's input validation mechanisms, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted command line parameters to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to unpredictable application behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the WinZip 9.0 software architecture, where the Winzip32.exe executable fails to adequately validate the length of command line arguments before processing them. When a local attacker supplies a command line argument exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the application's memory layout becomes corrupted, resulting in application crashes or potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The exploitation of this flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage command line manipulation to trigger the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially enable privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the context of the running application. Local users who can influence command line arguments passed to Winzip32.exe may exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's cross-privilege boundary characteristics become particularly concerning when applications automatically invoke Winzip32.exe for processing untrusted input, such as file upload handlers in web applications or automated file processing systems. In such scenarios, an attacker could manipulate the input processing flow to inject malicious command line arguments, effectively bypassing normal security controls and creating a potential attack vector that spans multiple privilege levels.
The security implications of CVE-2007-0264 are further amplified by its potential to be leveraged in automated attack scenarios, particularly within environments where file processing applications are exposed to untrusted input sources. When file upload applications automatically invoke WinZip for decompression or archive processing, the vulnerability creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This scenario represents a classic example of how seemingly benign software components can become critical attack vectors when integrated into larger application workflows. The vulnerability's persistence across privilege boundaries makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated file processing is common, as it could enable attackers to escalate privileges or establish persistent access through compromised file handling processes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures and consider alternative archive processing solutions to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, which remains relevant as a historical example of buffer overflow exploitation techniques in commercial software applications.