Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
World desk4 min

What Is Zip Slip? How Can a ZIP File Write Files Outside Its Extraction Folder?

Zip Slip is an archive path traversal flaw: without checking resolved paths against the extraction root, untrusted member names can write files elsewhere.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Zip Slip is a path traversal flaw in archive extraction: a crafted archive can name a file such as ../../outside.txt, and an unsafe extractor may write it outside the folder intended for extraction. The immediate result is an unintended file creation or overwrite. Code execution is possible if the overwritten file is later run or loaded, but it is not automatic.

How Zip Slip lets an archive escape its destination

An extractor typically takes a destination directory and an archive member name, combines them into a path, and writes the file. The member name is untrusted input. If the extractor does not resolve the resulting path and confirm that it remains beneath the intended destination, traversal components such as .. can point somewhere else. Snyk illustrates the flaw with vulnerable Java code that constructs a file from the destination and entry name, then writes without checking containment. Snyk’s Zip Slip research

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For example, an archive entry named ../../outside.txt can be interpreted as “move up two directories, then write outside.txt.” The precise destination depends on the extraction root and platform path handling. The core error is not that ZIP files can inherently write anywhere; it is that extraction code trusts an archive-supplied path without enforcing the intended boundary.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What an attacker needs—and what the impact can be

Two conditions are necessary: an attacker-controlled archive must reach an extraction operation, and the code performing extraction must fail to constrain each member path to the extraction root. Receiving, storing, or scanning an archive alone does not establish that an application is vulnerable.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
  • Immediate impact: an archive may create or replace files outside the target folder.
  • Possible escalation: if the affected file is executable or configuration that a process later runs or loads, the overwrite may enable code execution. That outcome depends on the target and what uses it; extraction does not guarantee it.
  • Other consequences: unintended writes can damage system configuration or sensitive data. The affected extractor may run on a server or a user’s device.

Snyk publicly disclosed Zip Slip on June 5, 2018. Its disclosure describes the issue across multiple archive formats and implementations, including tar, jar, war, cpio, apk, rar, and 7z, as well as ZIP. That is evidence of the pattern’s historical breadth, not a current audit of every format, library, or version. Disclosure and technical overview

How to prevent Zip Slip in extraction code

  1. Resolve, then check containment. Resolve every member path against the intended extraction root and reject it if the resolved location is outside that root. Do not rely on string concatenation or a superficial check for the text ..; account for absolute paths and platform-specific separators. MITRE classifies the underlying weakness as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. MITRE CWE-22
  2. Use an appropriate maintained API. Check the exact extraction API and runtime or library version, including its documented path-handling behavior. The presence of an “extract” helper does not by itself prove that it safely validates paths.
  3. Review links and filesystem behavior. Consider how the operating system resolves links as well as ordinary relative paths. A containment check must reflect the paths the filesystem will actually follow.
  4. Limit extraction privileges. Run extraction with only the filesystem permissions it needs, and consider isolation where the threat warrants it. Sandboxing can reduce the scope of a successful write, but its protection depends on the boundary provided and may limit impact rather than eliminate the flaw. MITRE CWE-22 mitigation guidance
  5. Review application code and dependencies. Check both the extractor implementation and the exact deployed dependency versions. Application code can reproduce the unsafe path-joining pattern even when a particular library vulnerability is not present.

Python: extract() and zipfile.Path are different

Python 3.14.8 documentation says ZipFile.extract() and extractall() attempt to prevent traversal by stripping absolute path prefixes and removing .. components. The documentation still cautions against extracting untrusted archives without prior inspection. Python 3.14.8 zipfile documentation

Rank #2
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds | USB Flash Drive, Up to 15x Faster than standard 2.0, Password Protection, Durable, Sleek Metal Casing, USB 3.0, Silver/Black
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
  • Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
  • Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
  • Sleek, durable metal casing
  • Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]

The separate zipfile.Path interface does not sanitize member names. If using it, the caller is responsible for validation; the documentation suggests resolving paths and checking them against the intended root. Do not transfer the safety behavior documented for extract() or extractall() to a different API.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Snyk’s 2018 analysis reported Python’s standard zipfile extraction as not vulnerable in its assessment and described a then-vulnerable tarfile case. Those historical findings do not establish the status of every current Python runtime, API, or application. Verify the runtime version and the specific extraction path your code uses. Snyk’s Zip Slip vulnerability repository

Rank #3
2 Pack 64GB USB Flash Drive USB 2.0 Thumb Drives Jump Drive Fold Storage Memory Stick Swivel Design - Black
  • What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
  • Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
  • Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
  • Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
  • Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to verify when reviewing an extractor

  • Does it validate the resolved destination for every archive member, not just the member’s text?
  • How does it handle absolute paths, traversal segments, platform-specific separators, and links?
  • Which exact runtime, library, and version are deployed, and what do their current vendor advisories say?
  • What filesystem permissions and isolation boundaries apply while extraction runs?

Historical package vulnerability lists are not a substitute for checking the component and version actually deployed. Snyk’s repository records fixes associated with the 2018 disclosures; it does not establish current package status for an arbitrary application.

Best Value
IMEASON Swivel Design 16GB USB Flash Drive with Keychain, USB 2.0 Portable Thumb Drive Memory Stick, FAT32 Format Flashdrive for Data Storage, Photos, Music, Files (Black, 16 GB)
  • 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
  • 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
  • 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
  • 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
Sale
SIMMAX 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives Swivel Thumb Drive Pen Drive (32GB Purple)
  • GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
  • BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
  • EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
  • TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
  • WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.