A recently discovered vulnerability in 7-Zip, a popular open-source file archiver, could allow attackers to remotely execute malicious code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability, which is caused by an integer underflow in the Zstandard decompression library, could be exploited by attackers to take complete control of affected computers.
According to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), the vulnerability has been assigned a severity score of 7.8, which is considered high. This means that the vulnerability is a serious threat and should be addressed immediately.
What is 7-Zip?
7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver that is used by millions of people around the world. It is known for its high compression ratio and support for a wide variety of file formats.
What is the vulnerability?
The vulnerability is an integer underflow, which is a type of programming error that can occur when a mathematical operation results in a number that is too small to be stored in a variable. In the case of the 7-Zip vulnerability, the integer underflow occurs in the Zstandard decompression library, which is used to decompress files compressed with the Zstandard format.
The integer underflow can be exploited by attackers to overwrite memory locations with malicious code. This code can then be executed when the user opens the decompressed file.
What is the impact of the vulnerability?
The impact of the vulnerability is severe. If successfully exploited, attackers could use the vulnerability to take complete control of affected computers. They could install malware, steal data, or launch attacks against other systems.
How to fix the vulnerability
The developers of 7-Zip have released a patch that fixes the vulnerability. Users are advised to update to the latest version of 7-Zip as soon as possible.
How to stay protected
In addition to updating 7-Zip, users can also take steps to protect themselves from this and other vulnerabilities by following these tips:
- Only download files from trusted sources.
- Be careful about opening attachments from unknown senders.
- Use a security software suite that includes a firewall and antivirus protection.
- Keep your software up to date.
By following these tips, users can help to protect themselves from the risks associated with software vulnerabilities.
Source: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-11477#VulnChangeHistorySection
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