CVE-2023-40481 7-Zip SquashFS File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 7.8 Published 3 May 2024 Updated 2 Aug 2024

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious SquashFS files in 7-Zip.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2023-40481?

CVE-2023-40481 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in 7-Zip, published on 3 May 2024. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

7-Zip SquashFS File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of 7-Zip. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the parsing of SQFS files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-18589.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-40481?

It affects 1 product.

Products include 7-Zip 7-Zip.

How do I fix CVE-2023-40481?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2023-40481 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-40481 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2023-40481, GHSA-cxpp-vp7p-m7fw, UBUNTU-CVE-2023-40481.