7-Zip Mark-of-the-Web Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2025-0411)

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2025-01-29

This vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 7.0, enables remote attackers to bypass the Mark-of-the-Web (MotW) protection mechanism in affected installations of 7-Zip. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file. The flaw lies in the handling of archived files. When extracting files from a crafted archive that contains the Mark-of-the-Web, 7-Zip fails to propagate the MotW to the extracted files. This oversight allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user.

Proof of Concept (PoC):

– PoC Link: https://lnkd.in/gYdM8GiS

What Undercode Say:

The 7-Zip Mark-of-the-Web Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2025-0411) highlights a critical oversight in the handling of archived files, particularly in how the Mark-of-the-Web attribute is managed. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining robust security practices when dealing with file extraction tools, especially in environments where user interaction with external files is common.

To mitigate such risks, users and administrators should consider the following Linux-based cybersecurity measures:

  1. File Integrity Checks: Use tools like sha256sum or md5sum to verify the integrity of downloaded files.

Example:

sha256sum downloaded_file.zip

2. Sandboxing: Extract suspicious files in a sandboxed environment using tools like `firejail`. Example: “`bash firejail 7z x suspicious_file.zip [/bash]

  1. Monitoring File Attributes: Use stat to check file attributes, including security context.

Example:

stat extracted_file

4. Automated Scanning: Integrate antivirus tools like `ClamAV` to scan extracted files. Example: “`bash clamscan -r extracted_directory

  1. Network Isolation: Use iptables to restrict network access for untrusted applications.

Example:

iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp –dport 80 -j DROP

6. Regular Updates: Ensure all software, including 7-Zip alternatives like `p7zip`, are up-to-date.

Example:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade p7zip

For further reading on securing file handling and extraction processes, refer to:

– OWASP File Handling Guidelines: https://owasp.org/www-community/vulnerabilities/Unrestricted_File_Upload)

– Linux Security Hardening: https://linuxsecurity.com/features/linux-security-hardening

By adopting these practices, users can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and maintain a secure computing environment.

References:

Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI

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