CVE-2017-5978 in ZZIPlib
Summary
by MITRE
The zzip_mem_entry_new function in memdisk.c in zziplib 0.13.62 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and crash) via a crafted ZIP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5978 resides within the zziplib library version 0.13.62, specifically in the zzip_mem_entry_new function located in the memdisk.c source file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through carefully crafted malicious ZIP archive files. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that ultimately leads to application crashes and system instability, fundamentally compromising the reliability and availability of systems that utilize this library for ZIP file processing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the memory handling routines of the zziplib library. When the zzip_mem_entry_new function processes a specially crafted ZIP file, it fails to properly validate the size and structure of memory allocations, leading to attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This improper memory access pattern creates a scenario where the application encounters invalid memory addresses, triggering segmentation faults or access violations that result in immediate application termination. The flaw operates at the memory management level, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect any application that relies on zziplib for ZIP archive processing, regardless of the underlying operating system or programming environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5978 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios that leverage the library's widespread use across different software platforms. Systems that process user-uploaded ZIP files, automated file handling services, or applications that integrate ZIP decompression functionality become vulnerable to this attack vector. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for web applications, file sharing platforms, and any service that accepts ZIP file uploads from untrusted sources. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1499.1 for denial of service attacks, specifically targeting application availability through memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5978 primarily focus on immediate library updates and implementation of defensive programming practices. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to zziplib versions that contain patches addressing this vulnerability, as the original 0.13.62 release is no longer supported and contains multiple known security issues. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms at the application level can provide defense-in-depth measures, including validating file sizes, checking archive integrity before processing, and employing sandboxed execution environments for ZIP file handling. Network-level mitigations such as content filtering and access controls can help reduce exposure by preventing malicious ZIP files from reaching vulnerable applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and dependency management practices, as similar flaws may exist in other legacy libraries that have not been properly updated or patched.