CVE-2005-4438

CVE-2005-4438 is a high-severity vulnerability in Dec2rar.dll with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in Dec2Rar.dll 3.2.14.3, as distributed in the Symantec Antivirus Library and used by various Symantec products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via RAR archives with sub-block headers that contain incorrect values in the length field.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2005-4438?
Heap-based buffer overflow in Dec2Rar.dll 3.2.14.3, as distributed in the Symantec Antivirus Library and used by various Symantec products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via RAR archives with sub-block headers that contain incorrect values in the length field.
How severe is CVE-2005-4438?
CVE-2005-4438 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2005-4438 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 6% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2005-4438?
CVE-2005-4438 affects Dec2rar.dll. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2005-4438?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2005-4438 published?
CVE-2005-4438 was published on 2005-12-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)