CVE-2015-9275 in arc
Summary
by MITRE
ARC 5.21q allows directory traversal via a full pathname in an archive file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9275 affects ARC 5.21q, a file archiving utility that permits unauthorized directory traversal through maliciously crafted archive files containing full pathnames. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the software's handling of archive extraction processes, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths contained within archive structures. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow attackers to manipulate archive contents to traverse directories beyond the intended extraction location. When ARC processes an archive file containing a full pathname, it does not adequately restrict the destination path, enabling attackers to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of directory traversal or path traversal attacks, which are classified as CWE-22 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This weakness occurs when applications fail to properly validate user-supplied input that contains directory path information, allowing malicious actors to access files or directories outside the intended scope. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes archive entries with absolute pathnames, bypassing normal directory restrictions and potentially enabling arbitrary file creation or modification. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing for Information, as attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code or escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9275 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can enable attackers to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the target environment, or establish persistent access through crafted archive files. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by creating a specially crafted archive containing a file with an absolute pathname such as /etc/passwd or /bin/sh, which would then be extracted to the specified location on the target system. This capability allows for privilege escalation attacks, where attackers can manipulate system files or create backdoors within the operating system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or process archive files from untrusted sources, such as web applications, email systems, or file sharing platforms that utilize ARC for archive handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9275 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application's archive processing logic. Organizations should ensure that all archive file processing routines validate and normalize file paths, rejecting absolute pathnames or implementing strict path restriction mechanisms that prevent traversal beyond designated directories. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only allows specific directory paths or employs path normalization techniques that strip out dangerous path components. Additionally, system administrators should apply the latest security patches provided by the software vendor, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent versions of ARC. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious archive processing activities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege, ensuring that archive processing applications run with minimal necessary permissions and are isolated from critical system directories.