A Vulnerability in 7-Zip Could Allow for Arbitrary Code Execution

MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:

2018-049

DATE(S) ISSUED:

OVERVIEW:

A vulnerability has been discovered in 7-Zip, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. 7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for arbitrary code execution. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

THREAT INTELLIGENCE:

There are currently no reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

7-Zip versions prior to 18.05

RISK:

Government: Large and medium government entities: HIGH

Small government entities: HIGH Businesses: Large and medium business entities: HIGH

Small business entities: HIGH Home Users: HIGH

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:

A vulnerability has been discovered in 7-Zip, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. The NArchive::NRar::CHandler::Extract method in CPP/7zip/Archive/Rar/RarHandler.cpp performs decoding of archive data using a largely uninitialized state. This state together with a lack of address space layout randomization (ASLR) on the main executables (7zFM.exe, 7zG.exe, 7z.exe) can cause memory corruptions that lead to arbitrary code execution. (CVE-2018-10115)

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow for arbitrary code execution. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those who operate with administrative user rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend the following actions be taken:

Apply appropriate updates provided by 7-Zip to vulnerable systems, immediately after appropriate testing.

Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.

Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

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