Unchecked Buffer in File Decompression Functions New

The ZIP file decompression functions of Windows 98, Me and XP are vulnerable to a buffer overrun attack which could allow an attacker to run the code of their choice on the system.

Issue

Zipped files (files having a .zip extension) provide a means to store information in a way that uses less space on a hard disk. This is accomplished by compressing the files that are put into in the zipped file. On Windows 98 with Plus! Pack, Windows Me and Windows XP, the Compressed Folders feature allows zipped files to be treated as folders. The Compressed Folders feature can be used to create, add files to, and extract files from zipped files.

Two vulnerabilities exist in the Compressed Folders function:

• An unchecked buffer exists in the programs that handles the decompressing of files from a zipped file. A security vulnerability results because attempts to open a file with a specially malformed filename contained in a zipped file could possibly result in Windows Explorer failing, or in code of the attacker’s choice being run.
• The decompression function could place a file in a directory that was not the same as, or a child of, the target directory specified by the user as where the decompressed zip files should be placed. This could allow an attacker to put a file in a known location on the users system, such as placing a program in a startup directory.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Windows 98 with Plus! Pack
• Microsoft Windows Me
• Microsoft Windows XP

Download

Software patches are available from the following locations:

• Microsoft Windows 98 with Plus! Pack
• Microsoft Windows Me
• Microsoft Windows XP

Further Details

Source: Microsoft Corporation

Reference: Microsoft Corporation

Updated: October 9, 2002

>> Recommended Download - secure your PC from spyware, adware and malware now with Spyware Doctor <<