CVE-2007-1867 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in IrfanView 3.99 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted animated cursor (ANI) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1867 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within IrfanView version 3.99 that specifically affects the handling of animated cursor files with the .ani extension. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when processing malformed ANI files, creating a scenario where remote attackers can craft malicious cursor files designed to exploit the software's memory handling mechanisms. The flaw exists in the image processing pipeline where IrfanView fails to properly bounds-check data structures when parsing the header information of animated cursor files, leading to potential memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow attack vector where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer space within IrfanView's ANI file parser. When the software attempts to read the animated cursor file header information, it does not validate the size fields within the ANI file structure, allowing malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web-based attacks, email attachments, or file sharing scenarios where users might unknowingly open malicious ANI files.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users who employ IrfanView for image viewing tasks, particularly in enterprise environments where the software is widely deployed. The attack surface expands beyond simple file viewing to include any scenario where users might encounter or open ANI files from untrusted sources, including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or web downloads. The exploitation capability allows attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using IrfanView for image processing and viewing operations face substantial risk of unauthorized code execution, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for security-conscious deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1867 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file type filtering and scanning protocols to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious ANI files, while also considering the deployment of application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of unauthorized software components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through compromised IrfanView processes. Additionally, network segmentation and user access controls should be implemented to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all IrfanView installations have been properly patched to prevent recurrence of this vulnerability.