CVE-2010-2434 in Explzh
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Arcext.dll 2.16.1 and earlier in pon software Explzh 5.62 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an LZH LHA file with a crafted header that is not properly handled during expansion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2434 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Arcext.dll component version 2.16.1 and earlier, which is part of the pon software suite included in Explzh versions 5.62 and earlier. This flaw exists in the handling of LZH LHA file formats during the expansion process, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted file headers can trigger memory corruption that adversaries can exploit to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the decompression routines that process archive files, particularly those using the LHA compression format which was widely used in the early 2000s for file archiving and distribution.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the Arcext.dll library when processing malformed LHA file headers. When the software attempts to expand an archive file with a crafted header, the program fails to properly validate the size or structure of the header fields, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the process heap or stack. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application, typically resulting in full system compromise when the vulnerable software runs with elevated permissions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input handling in archive extraction utilities can create severe security risks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2434 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised file sharing platforms. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries can target users without requiring local access or interaction beyond the initial file delivery. Systems running vulnerable versions of Explzh software are particularly at risk because the affected DLL component is often loaded automatically when users attempt to open or extract LHA archive files, making exploitation relatively straightforward. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands and scripts within the compromised system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2434 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as network-level defenses to prevent the delivery of malicious LHA files. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic extraction of potentially malicious archive files, particularly those using older compression formats like LHA. Network administrators should consider deploying intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block known malicious file patterns associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening archive files from untrusted sources, and system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software across their networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and proper input validation in archive processing utilities, as these components often serve as attack surfaces for privilege escalation and persistent access within target environments.