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ERROR_BAD_COMPRESSION_BUFFER
The compression buffer cannot be decoded safely
The Windows Compression API can return this error when compressed bytes are corrupted or when raw-mode parameters do not match the data that was originally produced. With COMPRESS_RAW, the decompressor must use the same raw setting and the exact original uncompressed size; an incorrect size can produce this error or even misleading output.
Treat sizes embedded in untrusted compressed input as untrusted. Preserve the original compressed bytes, algorithm identifier, flags, compressed length, and expected uncompressed length for diagnosis. Distinguish this error from ERROR_INSUFFICIENT_BUFFER, which means the output destination is too small. Do not repeatedly allocate arbitrary sizes based solely on corrupted header values.
What to inspect
- Verify compressor algorithm, raw flag, and original size metadata.
- Check the compressed block for truncation or transport corruption.
- Bound allocations derived from untrusted compressed input.
References
- Microsoft: Decompress and malformed compressed data
- Microsoft: file compression and decompression
- MS-ERREF: Win32 error definitions
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