Part 4/9:
In simple terms, this compression algorithm reduces file sizes for easier transmission, necessitating careful coding during the decompression phase. If the code encounters bugs—including integer underflows—it exposes channels through which malicious actors could infiltrate systems.
Finding resolution required delving into software patch histories. The specific vulnerability was patched in version 2407 of 7zip, which prompted a closer look at prior versions to identify how the code changed. By examining patches and analyzing the code's evolution, unique paths of inquiry began to unfold, revealing a labyrinth of complex programming often difficult to interpret.