CVE-2014-4607 in liblzo2
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the LZO algorithm variant in Oberhumer liblzo2 and lzo-2 before 2.07 on 32-bit platforms might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Literal Run.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4607 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the LZO compression algorithm implementation in Oberhumer liblzo2 and lzo-2 libraries prior to version 2.07. This issue specifically affects 32-bit platform architectures and demonstrates how seemingly benign compression library functions can become attack vectors when proper input validation and overflow protection mechanisms are absent. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of literal run lengths during decompression operations, creating conditions where attackers can manipulate compressed data to trigger unexpected behavior in the decompression process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the LZO algorithm's decompression routine where integer overflow conditions arise when processing crafted literal run data. In 32-bit environments, the arithmetic operations involved in calculating buffer sizes or data lengths can exceed the maximum representable value for 32-bit signed integers, causing the system to interpret these values incorrectly. This overflow condition typically manifests when the decompressor attempts to allocate memory or process data segments based on maliciously crafted input values that appear legitimate during initial parsing but cause catastrophic failures during arithmetic operations. The flaw operates at the intersection of compression algorithm design and memory management, where the expected bounds of data processing are violated through carefully constructed inputs that exploit the integer overflow to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to enable remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can craft specific compressed data streams that, when processed by vulnerable applications using the affected liblzo2 or lzo-2 libraries, cause the decompression routine to allocate insufficient memory or jump to invalid memory addresses. This creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code or manipulate program execution through buffer overflow conditions that arise from the integer overflow. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on these compression libraries for data processing, including network services, file processing applications, and any system components that handle compressed data from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in server environments where input validation may be minimal.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4607 require immediate patching of affected liblzo2 and lzo-2 library versions to 2.07 or later, which includes proper integer overflow checks and bounds validation in decompression routines. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable library versions and implement application-level input validation to detect and reject suspicious compressed data patterns. The fix implemented in patched versions typically involves adding explicit overflow checks before arithmetic operations and ensuring that buffer allocations are validated against maximum safe integer limits. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection rules that monitor for unusual compressed data patterns and maintain regular updates to compression library dependencies. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how compression algorithms can be exploited through improper input handling, potentially mapping to ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for legitimate program execution and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of thorough input validation in cryptographic and compression library implementations, particularly in 32-bit environments where integer limitations create exploitable edge cases. This flaw demonstrates how legacy systems and older library versions can harbor dangerous vulnerabilities that remain undetected for extended periods, emphasizing the necessity of regular security assessments and dependency updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that compression libraries, while essential for data processing efficiency, require rigorous security testing to prevent exploitation through integer overflow conditions that can lead to complete system compromise.