CVE-2009-1028 in eZip Wizard
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ediSys eZip Wizard 3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .zip file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1028 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the ediSys eZip Wizard 3.0 software component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of compressed archive files and specifically affects the software's ability to process maliciously crafted zip archives. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the decompression routines that process archive contents. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by constructing a specially formatted zip file that triggers the buffer overflow when the eZip Wizard attempts to extract or process the archive contents. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution without requiring any local privileges or user interaction beyond opening the malicious archive.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. When the eZip Wizard processes a malformed zip file, the software fails to properly validate the size or structure of archive entries before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This allows an attacker to overflow the buffer and overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and the attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The exploitation requires the target system to have the vulnerable eZip Wizard component installed and to process the malicious archive file, typically through user interaction or automated processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once successfully exploited, attackers can install malicious software, modify or delete files, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access. The vulnerability affects systems running ediSys eZip Wizard 3.0 and creates a persistent threat vector since the software is often integrated into larger applications or used for automated processing of compressed files. Organizations that rely on this software for document handling, file distribution, or automated archive processing face significant risk exposure. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in archive processing libraries, as similar issues have been identified in numerous other decompression utilities and archive handling components across various software platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1028 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ediSys eZip Wizard 3.0 software to the latest version that contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network-based filtering to block suspicious zip file attachments and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted archive processing components. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized installations of the vulnerable software and conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected component. Additional defensive measures include implementing sandboxing for archive processing, enabling strict file type validation, and maintaining up-to-date intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of secure coding practices including bounds checking, memory management, and input validation as recommended by secure coding standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and ISO/IEC 27045 for software security.