CVE-2015-1845 in Unzoo
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the EntrReadArch function in unzoo might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1845 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the EntrReadArch function of the unzoo archive extraction utility. This software component is widely used for decompressing and extracting files from various archive formats, particularly those compatible with the zoo archiving format. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of archive files, specifically when the application attempts to read and parse archive headers and metadata. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the EntrReadArch function, which fails to properly verify the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to copy it into fixed-size memory buffers. This flaw creates a condition where maliciously crafted archive files can trigger memory corruption that leads to arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of buffer overflow exploits that can be leveraged for remote code execution. Attackers can craft specially formatted archive files that, when processed by the vulnerable unzoo utility, cause the application to write beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the buffer used in the EntrReadArch function. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the CVE description indicate that multiple attack scenarios may be possible, including network-based delivery of malicious archives, email attachments, or any scenario where unzoo processes untrusted archive files. The vulnerability affects systems where unzoo is installed and used for archive processing, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated archive extraction occurs or where users frequently process archives from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1845 extends beyond simple system compromise as it can enable full system control by remote attackers. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the unzoo utility, which may include administrative privileges in many cases. This capability can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, persistence establishment, and further network reconnaissance. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because unzoo is commonly installed on various operating systems including unix-like systems and windows environments where it may be used in automated processes or by system administrators. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation tactics, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and control over target systems. Organizations relying on archive processing workflows are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be triggered through legitimate archive processing activities without explicit user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1845 require immediate action to address the underlying buffer overflow vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of unzoo that implements proper bounds checking and input validation within the EntrReadArch function. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of systems running unzoo to untrusted network traffic. Input validation measures including archive file format verification, size limiting, and content sanitization should be implemented at multiple points in the processing pipeline. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious archive processing activities and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software security practices and adheres to common weakness enumeration standards where CWE-121 represents heap-based buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should also consider disabling automatic archive extraction where possible and implementing manual verification processes for archive files received from external sources to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.