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March 18, 2025
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How to Fix CVE-2025-29787: A Path Traversal Vulnerability in Rust ZIP Library Extraction?
This article addresses CVE-2025-29787, a high-severity path traversal vulnerability affecting the zip crate in Rust. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious ZIP archives that, when extracted, can overwrite arbitrary files on the system, potentially leading to remote code execution or system compromise. Security professionals in DevSecOps, application security, product security, vulnerability management, penetration testing, and security operations must understand and remediate this vulnerability to protect their systems. This article provides a detailed overview of the vulnerability, its impact, and, most importantly, how to fix it.
A Short Introduction to the zip Crate
The zip crate is a popular Rust library providing functionality for reading and writing ZIP archives. It enables developers to easily compress and decompress files, making it a crucial component in various applications, including software distribution, data archiving, and file manipulation tools. Given its widespread usage, vulnerabilities in this crate can have significant security implications.
Summary of CVE-2025-29787
CVE ID: CVE-2025-29787
Description: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in the Rust
ziplibrary leading to arbitrary file overwrite during extraction.CVSS Score: 7.3 (High)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:H/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H
CVE-2025-29787 arises from a path traversal vulnerability within the archive extraction routine of the zip crate. Specifically, versions 1.3.0 through 2.2.0 (inclusive) fail to properly validate file paths during extraction, particularly when symbolic links are present in the archive. This allows a malicious actor to craft a ZIP archive containing symbolic links that, when extracted, overwrite arbitrary files on the filesystem. The vulnerability exists because the final canonicalized path isn't validated against a restricted directory after symbolic link resolution.
Impact of CVE-2025-29787
The impact of CVE-2025-29787 is significant. An attacker can craft a malicious ZIP archive that, when extracted, overwrites critical system files. This could lead to several severe consequences, including:
Remote Code Execution (RCE): Overwriting executable files with malicious code allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system.
System Compromise: Gaining control over the system by modifying crucial system configurations or binaries.
Unauthorized File Modifications: Modifying sensitive data or configuration files without authorization.
Denial of Service (DoS): Overwriting critical files required for system operation, leading to a denial of service attack or instability.
The ability to overwrite files with arbitrary permissions further exacerbates the impact, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions and escalate privileges. Given these potential impacts, prompt remediation is crucial.
Products Affected by CVE-2025-29787
The vulnerability affects any application that uses the vulnerable versions of the zip crate. Specifically:
| Product | Versions Affected | Fixed Version |
|---|---|---|
zip Crate |
1.3.0 - 2.2.0 | 2.3.0 |
Any Rust application or library depending on the zip crate within the specified version range is potentially vulnerable.
How to Check Your Product is Vulnerable?
To determine if your application is vulnerable, you need to verify the version of the zip crate being used.
Check
Cargo.tomlFiles: Inspect theCargo.tomlfiles of your project and any dependent crates. Look for entries like:zip = "2.2.0"If the version falls within the vulnerable range (1.3.0 - 2.2.0), your application is potentially at risk.
Use
cargo tree: Run thecargo treecommand in your project directory to see the dependency tree and identify the version of thezipcrate being used, even transitively.cargo tree | grep zipThis command will show you the dependencies of your project, including the
zipcrate and its version.Code Auditing: Review your codebase for instances where the
zipcrate is used for extracting archives, especially from untrusted sources. Focus on sections where file paths are constructed or manipulated during extraction.
How to Fix the Vulnerability?
The primary remediation strategy is to update the zip crate to version 2.3.0 or later.
Update
Cargo.toml: Modify theCargo.tomlfile of your project to specify version 2.3.0 or later:zip = "2.3.0"Alternatively, you can use a version range that includes 2.3.0 or later:
zip = ">=2.3.0"Run
cargo update: After modifying theCargo.tomlfile, run thecargo updatecommand to update your dependencies to the specified version.cargo updateThis command will resolve the dependencies and download the updated
zipcrate.Verify the Update: After updating, verify that the correct version of the
zipcrate is being used. You can use thecargo treecommand again to confirm:cargo tree | grep zipThe output should now show that you are using version 2.3.0 or later.
Implement Additional Validation: As a defense-in-depth measure, implement additional validation and sanitization of file paths before extraction, even after updating the crate. This can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Use
Path::canonicalize()to resolve symbolic links and ensure that the final path is within the expected directory.Least Privilege Principle: When extracting archives, ensure that the process is running with the least necessary privileges. This limits the potential damage if a vulnerability is exploited.
Monitor Official Channels: While version 2.3.0 fixes the primary vulnerability, continue to monitor the official channels (RustSec advisory database, crate's repository) for any security updates or patches related to the
zipcrate. By following these steps, you can effectively mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-29787 and protect your applications from path traversal attacks during ZIP archive extraction.
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Arun KL
Arun KL is a cybersecurity professional with 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, cloud security, vulnerability management, Penetration Testing, security operations, and incident response. He is adept at designing and implementing robust security solutions to safeguard systems and data. Arun holds multiple industry certifications including CCNA, CCNA Security, RHCE, CEH, and AWS Security.
