CVE-2007-1457 in URARFileLib
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the urarlib_get function in Christian Scheurer UniquE RAR File Library (unrarlib, aka URARFileLib) 0.4 allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) filename, (2) rarfile, or (3) libpassword argument.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1457 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Christian Scheurer UniquE RAR File Library version 0.4, commonly known as unrarlib or URARFileLib. This library serves as a component for handling RAR archive files and is typically integrated into various applications that require RAR file processing capabilities. The flaw specifically resides in the urarlib_get function, which processes various arguments including filenames, rarfile paths, and libpassword parameters. The vulnerability manifests when these arguments contain excessively long strings that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating conditions ripe for exploitation by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the urarlib_get function implementation. When attackers provide overly long strings as arguments for filename, rarfile, or libpassword parameters, the function fails to properly verify the length of these inputs before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This fundamental programming error allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning exploitation requires specific conditions related to how the library is invoked and used within target applications, though the underlying flaw remains exploitable across different operational environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise entire systems that utilize the affected library. Applications leveraging unrarlib for RAR file processing become susceptible to remote code execution attacks when they fail to properly validate user inputs before passing them to the vulnerable function. Attackers could craft malicious RAR archives containing excessively long filenames or paths that trigger the buffer overflow when the library attempts to process these files. The implications are particularly severe in environments where applications automatically process user-uploaded files or handle untrusted RAR archives, as this vulnerability could enable complete system compromise without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and applications that utilize the unrarlib library. Organizations must ensure that all instances of the library are updated to versions that address the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Security practitioners should implement input sanitization measures at application layers that interface with the library, including length validation and parameter filtering before any data is passed to the vulnerable function. Additionally, system administrators should consider deploying application whitelisting controls and network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling can create persistent security risks that require comprehensive remediation approaches across multiple system layers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the target environment.