CVE-2023-39138 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue in ZIPFoundation v0.9.16 allows attackers to execute a path traversal via extracting a crafted zip file.

Understanding CVE-2023-39138

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in ZIPFoundation that can be exploited by attackers to perform path traversal attacks by manipulating zip files.

What is CVE-2023-39138?

CVE-2023-39138 is a security flaw in ZIPFoundation v0.9.16 that enables threat actors to execute path traversal attacks through the extraction of maliciously crafted zip archives.

The Impact of CVE-2023-39138

The impact of this CVE is significant as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files and directories on the system where ZIPFoundation is being used, potentially resulting in data breaches and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-39138

The technical details of CVE-2023-39138 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit path traversal vulnerabilities when extracting manipulated zip files utilizing ZIPFoundation v0.9.16.

Affected Systems and Versions

All systems using ZIPFoundation v0.9.16 are affected by this vulnerability, irrespective of the vendor or product being used.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting zip files with malicious paths that, when extracted using ZIPFoundation v0.9.16, enable them to traverse directories.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-39138, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ZIPFoundation to a patched version that addresses the path traversal vulnerability.
Avoid extracting zip files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms to prevent path manipulation attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits of third-party libraries like ZIPFoundation.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by ZIPFoundation to ensure that known vulnerabilities, including path traversal issues, are addressed promptly.