CVE-2015-2782 in arj
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Open-source ARJ archiver 3.10.22 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted ARJ archive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The CVE-2015-2782 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the open-source ARJ archiver version 3.10.22 that exposes systems to remote exploitation. This vulnerability resides within the archive extraction functionality where the software fails to properly validate input data from ARJ archive files. The flaw manifests when the archiver processes malformed or specially crafted ARJ archives that contain oversized data structures or improperly formatted headers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This particular implementation flaw affects the decompression routines that handle archive metadata and file entries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and control program execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious ARJ archive file that triggers the buffer overflow condition during the extraction process. When a victim system attempts to decompress such an archive, the malformed data causes the program to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to program termination or more severe consequences. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service since the buffer overflow can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. Attackers can manipulate the overflow to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information, enabling code execution. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for client execution, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution through archive processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2782 is significant across enterprise and individual computing environments where ARJ archives are commonly processed. Systems that automatically extract archives from untrusted sources, such as email attachments, file sharing platforms, or automated backup systems, become vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability affects both Windows and Unix-like systems where the Open-source ARJ archiver is installed, creating widespread exposure. Organizations that rely on legacy systems or have not updated their archive processing utilities face particular risk. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability may be exploited in combination with other techniques to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2782 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with updated versions of the ARJ archiver software. Organizations must implement strict input validation policies for archive files, particularly when processing untrusted content from external sources. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering mechanisms that block or scan ARJ archives at network boundaries. System administrators should disable automatic archive extraction where possible and implement manual review processes for suspicious archive files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of archive utilities to trusted environments only. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for outdated archive processing utilities to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other software components.