Description
Buffer overflow in the gzprintf function in zlib 1.1.4, when zlib is compiled without vsnprintf or when long inputs are truncated using vsnprintf, allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | zlib | 1:1.1.4-10 | — |
| Debian 13 | zlib | 1:1.1.4-10 | — |
| Debian 12 | zlib | 1:1.1.4-10 | — |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 2
- Zlib 1.1.4 - Compression Library 'gzprintf()' Buffer Overrun (1) EDB-22273 · dos · Feb 23, 2003 · verified
- Zlib 1.1.4 - Compression Library 'gzprintf()' Buffer Overrun (2) EDB-22274 · remote · Feb 23, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
References
- http://lists.apple.com/mhonarc/security-announce/msg00038.html
- JVN#78689801 third-party-advisory
- JVNDB-2015-000066 third-party-advisory
- MDKSA-2003:033 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:081 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:079 vendor-advisory
- GLSA-200303-25 vendor-advisory
- VU#142121 third-party-advisory
- 20030224 Re: buffer overrun in zlib 1.1.4 mailing-list
- 57405 vendor-advisory
- 6599 vdb-entry
- 20030225 [sorcerer-spells] ZLIB-SORCERER2003-02-25 mailing-list
- 20030222 buffer overrun in zlib 1.1.4 mailing-list
- CLSA-2003:619 vendor-advisory
- 6913 vdb-entry
- zlib-gzprintf-bo(11381) vdb-entry
- 20030223 poc zlib sploit just for fun :) mailing-list