CVE-2018-10115 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-10115 affecting 7-Zip versions 18.03 and earlier. Discover how attackers can exploit uninitialized memory to trigger a denial of service or execute arbitrary code.
7-Zip versions 18.03 and earlier are affected by a vulnerability due to incorrect initialization logic in RAR decoder objects. This flaw could allow remote attackers to trigger a denial of service or execute arbitrary code through a specially crafted RAR archive.
Understanding CVE-2018-10115
This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in 7-Zip that could lead to memory corruption and potential remote code execution.
What is CVE-2018-10115?
The vulnerability stems from the improper initialization logic of RAR decoder objects in 7-Zip versions 18.03 and earlier, enabling attackers to exploit uninitialized memory.
The Impact of CVE-2018-10115
The vulnerability may result in a denial of service (segmentation fault) or allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by utilizing a specifically crafted RAR archive.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-10115
7-Zip's vulnerability CVE-2018-10115 can have severe consequences due to memory corruption and potential code execution.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from the incorrect initialization logic of RAR decoder objects in 7-Zip versions 18.03 and earlier, leading to the utilization of uninitialized memory.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: 7-Zip
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions affected: 18.03 and earlier
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by using a specifically crafted RAR archive to trigger a denial of service or execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-10115, users and organizations should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update 7-Zip to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening RAR archives from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by 7-Zip to address the vulnerability.