CVE-2007-1948 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in IrfanView 3.99 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via the (1) xoffset or (2) yoffset RLE command, or (3) large non-RLE encoded blocks in a crafted BMP image, as demonstrated by rle8of3.bmp and rle8of4.bmp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1948 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in IrfanView version 3.99 that demonstrates the classic risks associated with improper input validation in image processing applications. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of bitmap image files, particularly when processing RLE (Run-Length Encoded) commands within the BMP file format. The flaw exists in the image parsing logic where the application fails to properly validate the size parameters of RLE commands, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow through crafted image files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that exploit different aspects of the BMP file parser. The first vector involves manipulation of xoffset or yoffset parameters within RLE commands, where the application does not properly validate the coordinate values against the allocated buffer boundaries. The second vector targets large non-RLE encoded blocks within the same file format, where oversized data segments can overflow the designated memory buffers. These attack vectors are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through normal image processing operations, making them difficult to detect and prevent. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges, as it can be exploited through the standard image loading mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable arbitrary code execution, representing a significant security risk for systems that process untrusted image files. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can corrupt memory structures, leading to application crashes, system instability, or more severe consequences including remote code execution. The demonstrated proof-of-concept files rle8of3.bmp and rle8of4.bmp specifically showcase how crafted RLE commands can trigger the vulnerability, making this attack vector particularly concerning for environments where users might encounter malicious image files. The vulnerability affects systems running IrfanView 3.99 and potentially earlier versions, creating a widespread attack surface across numerous installations.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions in stack-based buffers, and also relates to CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. The attack surface is particularly concerning due to the widespread use of IrfanView across various platforms and user groups, including both personal and enterprise environments. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that successful exploitation requires specific conditions related to the image file format and the particular way the application processes the malformed data, making it a sophisticated target for attackers who understand the application's image parsing internals.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of IrfanView installations to version 3.99 or later, where the buffer overflow issues have been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement strict image file validation procedures, particularly for files received from untrusted sources, and consider deploying additional security controls such as file type restrictions and content scanning solutions. Network administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized versions of IrfanView from executing. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in image processing applications, serving as a reminder of the critical nature of memory safety in multimedia processing software.