CVE-2019-12807 in ALZip
Summary
by MITRE
Alzip 10.83 and earlier version contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability, caused by improper bounds checking during the parsing of crafted ISO archive file format. By persuading a victim to open a specially-crafted ISO archive file, an attacker could execution arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12807 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Alzip version 10.83 and earlier, demonstrating a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management practices. This issue manifests specifically during the parsing of ISO archive files, where the software fails to properly validate the boundaries of data structures, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that should have prevented the software from writing data beyond the allocated memory buffer, a classic security flaw that has been documented in various forms throughout cybersecurity history.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious ISO archive file that, when opened by a victim using the vulnerable Alzip software, triggers the buffer overflow condition. This type of attack falls under the category of file format exploitation techniques and aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where initial access is achieved through social engineering or phishing campaigns. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the file parsing module responsible for handling ISO format archives, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate file operations that users might perform without suspecting malicious intent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within compromised systems. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized as a direct result of insufficient bounds checking during data processing operations. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered through user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open malicious files. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or escalate privileges within the compromised system, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Alzip for file management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-12807 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow condition through proper bounds checking implementations. Organizations should also implement network-based controls such as file type filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious archives. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution tactics, suggesting that defensive measures should include user education programs to recognize suspicious file attachments and network monitoring to detect unusual file processing activities. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted archive files, while also ensuring that all software components undergo regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.