CVE-2010-1597 in ZipGenius
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in zgtips.dll in ZipGenius 6.3.1.2552 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a ZIP file containing an entry with a long filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1597 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the zgtips.dll component of ZipGenius version 6.3.1.2552. This issue manifests when the software processes ZIP archive entries containing excessively long filenames, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack data structures and potentially execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user-assisted remote attack scenario where an attacker crafts a malicious ZIP file containing an entry with an abnormally long filename that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the zgtips.dll module. When the vulnerable ZipGenius application processes this specially crafted archive, the overly long filename causes the buffer overflow to occur during the filename parsing operation, leading to potential memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would enable code execution within the context of the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant security risk for systems that process untrusted ZIP archives. Organizations utilizing ZipGenius for document management, file distribution, or automated processing workflows face potential compromise when handling ZIP files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or local privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file sharing and archive processing are common operations. Systems that automatically extract or process ZIP files, such as email servers, file transfer systems, or automated backup solutions, become prime targets for exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1597 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing defensive measures to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should disable automatic processing of ZIP files from untrusted sources and implement strict file validation procedures that check for excessively long filenames before processing. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious ZIP files containing oversized filenames. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vulnerable software and employ memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to reduce exploit reliability. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, aligning with security guidelines that emphasize the need for robust buffer management and defensive programming techniques to prevent similar issues in future software releases.