CVE-2010-5300 in Jzip
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Jzip 1.3 through 2.0.0.132900 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long file name in a zip archive.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-5300 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Jzip versions 1.3 through 2.0.0.132900. This security weakness resides in the handling of file names within zip archive structures and demonstrates the persistent challenges organizations face when processing untrusted data inputs. The flaw specifically manifests when the decompression utility encounters zip archives containing excessively long file names that exceed the allocated stack buffer space, creating conditions ripe for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the extraction process of zip file contents. When Jzip processes a zip archive, it allocates a fixed-size buffer on the stack to store file name information during decompression operations. However, the application fails to validate the length of file names against the allocated buffer boundaries, allowing malicious actors to craft zip archives with file names exceeding the predetermined buffer limits. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to crash targeted applications through controlled buffer overflows, causing system instability and service disruption. More critically, the vulnerability's potential for arbitrary code execution makes it particularly dangerous in environments where Jzip is used to process untrusted archive files. The exploitability of this flaw aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework, where input validation failures serve as entry points for more sophisticated compromise techniques. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow places it within the scope of common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
From a defensive standpoint, organizations utilizing Jzip must implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect against exploitation attempts. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to patched versions of Jzip that incorporate proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based filtering rules to prevent the transmission of zip files containing suspiciously long file names, particularly in environments where untrusted archives are processed. The vulnerability's characteristics align with common attack vectors identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly within the execution and privilege escalation domains where buffer overflow exploitation techniques are commonly employed. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization routines and employing stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious zip archive patterns and monitoring for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that all instances of the vulnerable Jzip software are updated, as partial deployments may leave systems exposed to exploitation attempts.