CVE-2017-5974 in ZZIPlib
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the __zzip_get32 function in fetch.c in zziplib 0.13.62 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted ZIP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5974 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the zziplib library version 0.13.62, specifically within the __zzip_get32 function located in the fetch.c source file. This flaw arises from insufficient input validation when processing malformed ZIP archives, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate the library's memory allocation behavior through carefully crafted archive structures. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when more data is written to a buffer allocated on the heap than the buffer can accommodate, leading to memory corruption and potential arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper bounds checking in the __zzip_get32 function, which is responsible for extracting 32-bit integer values from ZIP file headers. When a maliciously constructed ZIP file contains malformed data that exceeds expected buffer boundaries, the function fails to validate input parameters before performing memory operations. This results in the corruption of adjacent heap memory regions, potentially causing the application to crash or behave unpredictably during ZIP file processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through network-based applications that utilize zziplib for ZIP archive handling, making it an attractive target for denial of service attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on zziplib for decompressing or extracting ZIP archives, particularly web applications, file processing services, and content management systems. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities, as memory corruption can lead to privilege escalation or code execution in vulnerable environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it represents an attack vector that can be leveraged to compromise system integrity through the exploitation of memory corruption flaws.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5974 include immediate patching of zziplib to version 0.13.63 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate buffer boundaries in the __zzip_get32 function. Additionally, implementing input validation measures at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, including sanitizing ZIP file inputs and limiting file size thresholds for processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can also be configured to detect and block suspicious ZIP file content that might trigger this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and memory protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, particularly in high-value environments where the impact of a successful attack could be catastrophic.