CVE-2014-9913 in UnZIP
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the list_files function in list.c in Info-Zip UnZip 6.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via vectors related to the compression method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9913 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Info-Zip UnZip 6.0 utility, specifically within the list_files function located in the list.c source file. This flaw manifests when the decompression process encounters malformed archive files with specific compression method indicators, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate input data before processing it. The buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking during the handling of compressed file listings, allowing maliciously crafted archive contents to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where the improper memory management during file listing operations creates exploitable conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as remote attackers can leverage the buffer overflow to crash the UnZip application entirely, rendering it unable to process legitimate archive files. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted archive files containing malformed compression method data that triggers the vulnerable code path during the list_files function execution. When the application attempts to process these malicious inputs, the buffer overflow causes memory corruption that typically results in application termination or unpredictable behavior. This vulnerability affects systems running Info-Zip UnZip 6.0 and potentially earlier versions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated archive processing occurs, such as web servers, email systems, or file sharing platforms that handle user-uploaded content.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2014-9913 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling adversaries to perform application or system crash operations that can disrupt normal service availability. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation in decompression utilities can create persistent security risks, particularly in environments where archive files are processed automatically without proper sanitization. Organizations using UnZip 6.0 should consider immediate patching to address this issue, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely through various attack surfaces including web applications, email attachments, or file sharing services. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking in the list_files function and ensuring that compression method data is validated before processing, preventing the buffer overflow condition from occurring. Additionally, system administrators should implement input sanitization measures and consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.
Modern security practices recommend that organizations conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other decompression utilities and archive processing tools. The remediation approach for CVE-2014-9913 should include not only patching the specific UnZip version but also implementing robust input validation across all archive processing components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory management in security-critical applications and demonstrates how seemingly simple functions like file listing can become attack vectors when proper bounds checking is omitted. The incident highlights the necessity of adhering to secure coding practices and following established security frameworks to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software releases.