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CVE-2025-0411: 7-Zip Security Vulnerability and MoTW Bypass
Background and Nature of the Vulnerability
A recent security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-0411, has been discovered in 7-Zip, a widely-used open-source file archiver. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by bypassing the "Mark-of-the-Web" (MOTW) security feature in Windows. The MOTW feature is designed to mark files downloaded from the internet, triggering additional security checks to protect users from potentially malicious files25.
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of files extracted from crafted archives that carry the MOTW flag. When users extract such files using vulnerable versions of 7-Zip, the extracted files do not retain the MOTW designation, allowing attackers to bypass critical security checks and execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user2.
Affected Versions and Impact
All versions of 7-Zip up to 24.07 are affected by this vulnerability. This means users running these versions are at risk of exploitation if they extract files from archives received from untrusted sources. The primary impact includes the ability for attackers to execute arbitrary code, install malware, steal sensitive information, or perform other malicious activities on the compromised system2.
Mitigation Steps
To protect against this vulnerability, users should take the following measures:
- Update Software: Immediately upgrade to 7-Zip version 24.09 or later, which addresses this issue and ensures that MOTW flags are correctly propagated to extracted files.
- Exercise Caution: Be cautious when opening archives from unknown or untrusted sources. Verify the authenticity of the source before extracting files.
- Enable Additional Protections: Use endpoint security solutions that can detect and block suspicious file activity. Consider employing application whitelisting and other security measures to prevent the execution of unauthorized code2.
General Security Practices
Beyond this specific vulnerability, maintaining good cybersecurity practices is crucial:
- Regular Software Updates: Keep all software up-to-date to ensure that all published security patches are applied.
- User Training: Educate users on the importance of verifying file sources and recognizing potential phishing attempts.
- Advanced Threat Detection: Implement advanced threat detection systems to monitor for unusual activities and potential breaches2.
No Specific June 2024 Patch Mentioned
There is no specific mention of a security patch for 7-Zip in June 2024 related to the MOTW vulnerability in the available sources. The current advisory focuses on the CVE-2025-0411 vulnerability and the need to update to version 24.09 or later to address this issue.
Windows MoTW Vulnerabilities 2024
While the sources do not specify other Windows MOTW vulnerabilities from 2024 directly related to 7-Zip, they highlight the importance of the MOTW feature in Windows security. The vulnerability in 7-Zip (CVE-2025-0411) underscores the need for software to properly handle and propagate MOTW flags to maintain the integrity of Windows security checks25.
For comprehensive security, it is essential to stay updated with the latest patches and advisories from reputable sources such as the Zero Day Initiative and other cybersecurity authorities14.