CVE-2007-4725 in 7-zip
Summary
by MITRE
Stack consumption vulnerability in AkkyWareHOUSE 7-zip32.dll before 4.42.00.04, as derived from Igor Pavlov 7-Zip before 4.53 beta, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename in an archive, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4725 represents a critical stack consumption flaw affecting AkkyWareHOUSE 7-zip32.dll version 4.42.00.04 and earlier, which stems from the underlying Igor Pavlov 7-Zip software prior to version 4.53 beta. This vulnerability operates through a user-assisted remote attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate archive files containing excessively long filenames to trigger arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The flaw specifically manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the system attempts to process these unusually extended filename strings during archive extraction operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits improper input validation mechanisms within the archive handling routines of the 7-Zip library. When processing archive files containing filenames exceeding normal length parameters, the software fails to adequately constrain memory allocation for storing these extended strings, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow through controlled memory corruption, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions in heap memory, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through manipulation of file processing components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system stability and security breaches across environments utilizing affected versions of the 7-Zip library. Systems processing untrusted archive files become particularly vulnerable, as the attack requires only a single maliciously crafted archive file to initiate the exploit chain. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must interact with the compromised archive file, typically through standard file extraction operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently handle third-party archives or where automated processing of archive files occurs. Organizations utilizing legacy systems or those that have not updated their 7-Zip implementations remain at significant risk of exploitation, as the vulnerability affects core archive processing functionality that forms part of numerous software installations and enterprise systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4725 primarily focus on immediate software updates to versions 4.53 beta or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and memory management improvements. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all installations of affected 7-Zip components and ensure complete removal of vulnerable versions from all systems. Additional protective measures include implementing strict archive file validation procedures, deploying content filtering solutions that can identify and quarantine suspicious archive files, and establishing secure file handling policies that limit user interaction with untrusted archive content. Network segmentation and access control measures can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that all systems have been properly patched and that no vulnerable components remain operational within the enterprise environment.