CVE-2011-2725 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Ark 4.7.x and earlier allows remote attackers to delete and force the display of arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in a zip file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2725 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Ark 4.7.x and earlier versions of the Archiver utility. This vulnerability resides in the zip file extraction and handling mechanisms where the application fails to properly validate file paths during decompression operations. The flaw specifically manifests when processing zip archives containing directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and execute unauthorized operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through careful crafting of zip file contents that include directory traversal sequences within their file paths. When Ark processes these malformed zip archives, it does not adequately sanitize the extracted file paths, enabling attackers to navigate outside the intended extraction directory. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file deletion and forced display of files that should remain protected, creating a significant security risk for systems processing untrusted archive files.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations relying on Ark for file management and archive handling. Attackers can leverage this flaw to delete critical system files, access sensitive data, or potentially execute arbitrary code through the forced display of system resources. The impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also server environments where Ark might be used for automated archive processing, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2725 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Ark versions to 4.8.0 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and path sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive file validation policies for all archive processing activities, including the use of secure extraction libraries that properly handle file paths. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running Ark, while regular security audits should verify that no unpatched systems remain in operation. Additionally, implementing automated monitoring for suspicious archive processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in archive handling utilities and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through archive manipulation, emphasizing the need for robust security controls around file decompression operations.