CVE-2022-29072

Published: 2/20/2025

Red caution sign overlaid on a picture of a laptop with a hand on the trackpad

What is CVE-2022-29072?

CVE-2022-29072 refers to a critical security flaw in the widely used open-source file archiver, 7-Zip. It's an arbitrary code execution (ACE) vulnerability, specifically a heap overflow. In plain English, a threat actor can create a booby-trapped archive file. When an unsuspecting user opens this file with a vulnerable version of 7-Zip, the attacker can execute commands on their machine. This flaw gives attackers a direct line into a system, paving the way for data theft, malware installation, or a complete takeover.

When was it discovered?

This particular vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2022-29072, came to light in 2022. The discovery wasn't just a theoretical exercise; researchers quickly developed a proof of concept (PoC) that demonstrated the exploitability of the flaw. This PoC made the threat tangible, sending a clear signal to millions of users and IT admins that it was time to update their software, and fast.

Affected Products & Versions

The good news? This isn't a zero-day with no fix. The bad news is that if you're running an older version of 7-Zip, your systems are sitting ducks. The 7-Zip patch has been available for a while, so there's no excuse for staying vulnerable.

Product	Versions Affected	Fixed Versions / Patch Links
7-Zip	All versions prior to 22.01	7-Zip 22.01 and later

CVE-2022-29072 Technical Description

Let's get into the technical details of CVE-2022-29072. The flaw exists in the way the 7-Zip application handles .7z archives. By dragging a file with a .7z extension onto the 7z.exe Help > Contents area, an attacker can trigger a heap overflow. This memory corruption bug allows the attacker to execute code with the same privileges as the user running the application. The high exploitability comes from its reliance on a simple, common user action, making it a dangerous entry point for attackers.

Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)

Attackers love using what works, and for this CVE-2022-29072 exploit, the playbook is straightforward.

Initial Access: A threat actor crafts a phishing email containing the malicious .7z file. The email is often disguised as something urgent or official, like an invoice or a project update, to trick the user into opening it.
Execution: The user downloads the file and, through a simple drag-and-drop action, triggers the exploit within the vulnerable 7-Zip application.
Action on Objectives: Once the exploit code runs, the attacker's payload is executed. This could be anything from installing ransomware or spyware to establishing a connection with a command-and-control (C2) server for long-term access.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

Detecting a CVE-2022-29072 IOC requires looking for the aftermath of the exploit. Since the initial compromise happens locally, you need to watch for unusual system behavior.

Suspicious child processes spawning from 7z.exe or 7zG.exe, especially cmd.exe or powershell.exe.
Unexpected network traffic to unknown IP addresses or domains shortly after a user interacts with a .7z file.
The creation of strange files or scripts in user directories or temporary folders.
Alerts from endpoint security tools flagging malicious activity originating from a 7-Zip process. Monitoring these CVE-2022-29072 indicators of compromise is key.

Known Proof-of-Concepts & Exploits

Shortly after the vulnerability's disclosure, a CVE-2022-29072 proof of concept was made public. While helpful for defenders looking to build detections, this also significantly lowered the barrier for attackers. The PoC confirmed the exploitability of the vulnerability, and it's a safe bet that threat actors have incorporated this CVE-2022-29072 exploit into their arsenals. It is a known and weaponized threat.

How to Detect CVE-2022-29072

A solid CVE-2022-29072 detection strategy requires multiple layers.

Signature-Based Tools: Your antivirus might catch known malicious .7z files, but attackers can easily alter file hashes to bypass these simple checks.
Behavioral Analysis: This is where modern security shines. An Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution is designed to spot abnormal behavior. If 7z.exe suddenly attempts to execute PowerShell scripts or connect to a random IP, a good EDR will flag it immediately.
Log Monitoring: Continuously monitor process execution logs. If you see 7z.exe launching command prompts, it's a major red flag that warrants an investigation. This kind of vigilance is a cornerstone of an effective ITDR (Identity Threat Detection and Response) program.

Mitigation & Remediation Strategies

Now for the important part: how to protect your organization. The primary CVE-2022-29072 mitigation strategy is straightforward.

Patch Immediately!: Stop everything and ensure all installations of 7-Zip across your environment are updated to version 22.01 or later. Use a patch management system to automate this. Applying the official 7-Zip patch is the single most effective thing you can do.Beyond patching, implement these additional security measures:
User Education: Your team is your first line of defense. Train them to recognize and report suspicious emails and attachments. A strong Security Awareness Training (SAT) program can make all the difference.
Enforce Least Privilege: Users should not have administrative rights unless absolutely necessary. While this won't stop the initial exploit, it severely limits an attacker's ability to escalate privileges and move laterally through your network.
Deploy a Managed EDR: You can't have eyes on every endpoint 24/7, but a managed security platform can. A solution like Huntress actively monitors for suspicious behaviors, detects threats that bypass traditional antivirus, and provides the context your team needs to respond swiftly.

This CVE-2022-29072 is a stark reminder that even the most trusted tools can be turned against you. Stay vigilant, keep your software updated, and arm your organization with the right defenses.

CVE-2022-29072 FAQs

CVE-2022-29072 is a security flaw that allows an attacker to run arbitrary code on a victim's machine. It works by exploiting a heap overflow issue. An attacker tricks a user into opening a specially crafted .7z file, which triggers the exploit and gives the attacker control.

Infection typically starts with a phishing email containing a malicious .7z attachment. When a user with a vulnerable version of 7-Zip interacts with the file (e.g., via drag-and-drop into the Help section), the exploit is triggered, and the system is compromised.

Yes, it absolutely remains a threat. Any organization running unpatched versions of 7-Zip is still at risk. As long as vulnerable software exists in an environment, attackers will continue to exploit it.

The most critical step is to apply the 7-Zip patch, updating all instances to version 22.01 or later. Additionally, organizations should implement security awareness training to help users spot phishing attempts and deploy an EDR solution to detect and respond to post-exploit activity.