CVE-2024-48958 in libarchive
Summary
by MITRE • 10/10/2024
execute_filter_delta in archive_read_support_format_rar.c in libarchive before 3.7.5 allows out-of-bounds access via a crafted archive file because src can move beyond dst.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48958 affects the libarchive library version 3.7.4 and earlier, specifically within the execute_filter_delta function located in archive_read_support_format_rar.c. This issue represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw that can be exploited through maliciously crafted archive files. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during the decompression process of RAR format archives, where the source pointer can advance beyond the boundaries of the destination buffer. Such a condition creates a potential avenue for memory corruption that could lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service scenarios.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of buffer boundaries during the delta filtering operation within RAR archive processing. When the execute_filter_delta function processes compressed data, it fails to properly verify that the source data pointer does not exceed the allocated destination buffer limits. This allows an attacker to craft archive files containing malicious data sequences that cause the pointer arithmetic to access memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests during the decompression phase when the library attempts to apply delta filters to reconstruct original data, making it particularly dangerous as it occurs during normal archive processing operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process untrusted archive files, particularly those handling RAR formatted archives. Attackers can exploit this weakness by creating specially crafted RAR files that trigger the out-of-bounds access when processed by vulnerable libarchive versions. The potential consequences include system crashes, memory corruption, and in some scenarios, arbitrary code execution depending on the specific memory layout and exploitation conditions. Systems utilizing libarchive for automated archive processing, file server applications, or content delivery platforms are particularly vulnerable to this class of attack.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-129 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing "Improper Validation of Array Index" and falls under the broader category of memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving execution of malicious code through input validation bypasses and memory corruption exploits. The attack surface is particularly relevant for threat actors targeting systems that process untrusted archive files, including web applications, email servers, and file sharing platforms. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where archive processing is a common operational function.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-48958 primarily involve upgrading to libarchive version 3.7.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds access issue. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, especially those processing untrusted archive content. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for archive files, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for archive processing, and monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation, particularly in environments where archive processing occurs automatically or without user intervention. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust bounds checking in memory-intensive operations and proper input validation in security-critical libraries.