CVE-2016-2334 in 7-zip
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the NArchive::NHfs::CHandler::ExtractZlibFile method in 7zip before 16.00 and p7zip allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HFS+ image.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2334 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the 7zip archive utility and its p7zip counterpart versions prior to 16.00. This flaw specifically resides within the NArchive::NHfs::CHandler::ExtractZlibFile method, which processes HFS+ filesystem images during decompression operations. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to extract compressed data from HFS+ images, creating conditions where attacker-controlled input can overflow allocated heap memory buffers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through careful crafting of HFS+ image files that contain maliciously structured compressed data. When 7zip processes these malformed images, the ExtractZlibFile method fails to properly validate the size of decompressed data against allocated buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption. This heap overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits data to be written beyond the allocated buffer space.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2334 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant threat to system integrity within environments where 7zip or p7zip are commonly used for file decompression. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious software distribution channels. The vulnerability affects not only desktop systems but also servers and automated systems that process untrusted archive files. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code and potentially establish persistent access through compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2334 primarily focus on immediate software updates to versions 16.00 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of 7zip and p7zip are updated across enterprise environments. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies for archive processing, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious archive file patterns, and utilizing sandboxed environments for processing untrusted archive content. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in archive processing utilities, aligning with industry best practices for preventing heap-based buffer overflow conditions that have been documented in numerous security advisories and vulnerability assessments.