Libarchive before version 3.7.4 contains a critical vulnerability that allows name out-of-bounds access when a ZIP archive includes an empty-name file with mac-ext enabled. The issue arises within the slurp_central_directory function of the archive_read_support_format_zip.c file. This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.1, indicating a critical severity level that demands immediate attention from organizations to prevent potential exploitation.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, with high confidentiality and availability impact. The attack vector is through the network, and the complexity is low, meaning that attackers may exploit this vulnerability without requiring special privileges or user interaction. Given the severity and potential impact, organizations must prioritize patching immediately.
As of the latest intelligence, there are no known exploits in the wild, but organizations are encouraged to remain vigilant. The urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability cannot be overstated, especially in environments that utilize Libarchive for processing ZIP files.
To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should ensure that they update to Libarchive version 3.7.4 or later. Additionally, implementing monitoring and security controls around file processing can further strengthen defenses against potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in Libarchive is categorized under CWE-125, which pertains to Out-of-bounds Read. The critical nature of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 9.1, reflecting high potential for impact on confidentiality and availability, with no integrity impact. The vulnerability affects all versions of Libarchive prior to the patched version 3.7.4, which was released on June 8, 2024.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the handling of ZIP archives containing empty-name files, leading to out-of-bounds access during the extraction process. The attack vector is classified as network-based, allowing remote attackers to trigger the vulnerability without any local access. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring no privileges and no user interaction, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers.
In terms of impact, the vulnerability has a high confidentiality impact due to the potential exposure of sensitive data, while availability is also significantly affected, as the exploitation could lead to denial-of-service conditions. The integrity impact is rated as none, which means that the data is not altered during the exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using Libarchive versions prior to 3.7.4 face critical risks due to the vulnerability's nature. The potential for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability through network access poses a significant threat, especially for services that rely on file processing. The blast radius could be extensive, impacting multiple systems if exploit chains are developed.
Given the CVSS score of 9.1, the urgency for remediation is critical. Organizations must prioritize this patch in their security update cycles to minimize the risk of potential exploits and ensure the integrity of their systems.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Libarchive versions prior to 3.7.4 are affected by this vulnerability. Specifically, version 3.7.3 has been identified as vulnerable. Organizations should upgrade to version 3.7.4 or later to mitigate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations must update Libarchive to version 3.7.4 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting the use of ZIP files with empty-name entries in environments where Libarchive is deployed. Regular monitoring for updates and applying security patches promptly is essential.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns or errors related to ZIP file processing. Behavioral anomalies during file extraction processes may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for any unexpected data exfiltration attempts can provide early warning signs of exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-37407 lies in its demonstration of the potential risks associated with file processing libraries like Libarchive. Security teams must recognize the importance of rigorous testing and validation of third-party components in their applications. This vulnerability highlights the need for proactive measures in vulnerability management, including regular updates and security assessments.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in software dependencies, particularly in widely used libraries. Organizations should consider adopting a vulnerability management program to systematically address such vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, engaging in penetration testing methodology can provide insights into potential attack vectors and enhance an organization's defensive posture.
Organizations should also remain aware of the broader context of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-37407, as they reflect ongoing trends in software security and the need for continuous vigilance.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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