CVE-2021-20692 in Archive Collectively Operation Utility
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2021
Directory traversal vulnerability in Archive collectively operation utility Ver.2.10.1.0 and earlier allows an attacker to create or overwrite files by leading a user to expand a malicious ZIP archives.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2021
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-20692 affects Archive collectively operation utility version 2.10.1.0 and earlier implementations, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to manipulate file system operations through malicious archive files. This vulnerability specifically impacts the utility's handling of ZIP archives during extraction processes, creating opportunities for unauthorized file creation or modification on target systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path normalization within the archive extraction routine, allowing maliciously crafted archive entries to bypass normal file system boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the utility's failure to properly sanitize file paths during archive extraction operations. When processing ZIP archives, the software does not adequately validate or normalize file paths contained within the archive entries, permitting attackers to include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ in the filenames. This allows the utility to write files outside of the intended extraction directory, potentially overwriting critical system files or creating backdoor access points. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through social engineering techniques where users are诱导 to open maliciously crafted ZIP files.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-20692 extends beyond simple file manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to achieve persistent access to compromised systems. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite system binaries, inject malicious code into legitimate applications, or create hidden files that maintain access even after system reboots. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious archive, making it an effective vector for zero-day exploits. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability maps directly to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, while ATT&CK technique T1059.007 covers the execution of malicious code through file system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected software versions, with administrators prioritizing updates to the Archive utility beyond version 2.10.1.0. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent extraction of archives containing suspicious path sequences, and deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unusual file system activity. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles for archive processing utilities, configuring sandboxed environments for archive extraction, and establishing robust endpoint detection and response capabilities. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that exploit this vulnerability, as the attack vector relies heavily on user interaction with malicious files. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 for data staging and T1566.001 for spearphishing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.