CVE-2007-4464 in Total Commander
Summary
by MITRE
CRLF injection vulnerability in the Fileinfo 2.0.9 plugin for Total Commander allows user-assisted remote attackers to spoof the information in the Image File Header tab via strings with CRLF sequences in the IMAGE_EXPORT_DIRECTORY array in a PE file, which could complicate forensics investigations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2017
The CVE-2007-4464 vulnerability represents a critical CRLF injection flaw within the Fileinfo 2.0.9 plugin for Total Commander, a widely used file management application in Windows environments. This vulnerability specifically targets the Image File Header tab functionality, which displays metadata extracted from Portable Executable (PE) files. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation when processing IMAGE_EXPORT_DIRECTORY structures within PE file headers, where maliciously crafted CRLF sequences can be injected into the displayed information. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted remote, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to open a specially crafted PE file, but once executed, the injection occurs automatically within the application's interface. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-113, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of CRLF sequences in HTTP headers, though the context here extends to internal application data display rather than network protocols.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Total Commander's Fileinfo plugin processes PE files containing malicious CRLF sequences within the IMAGE_EXPORT_DIRECTORY array. During the parsing process, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape these sequences, allowing them to be interpreted as actual line terminators within the application's display interface. When the Image File Header tab renders this information, the injected CRLF characters can cause the display to break into multiple lines or manipulate the visual presentation of metadata fields. This manipulation can obscure or alter critical forensic information, making it difficult for security analysts to accurately determine file characteristics or identify malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in forensic contexts because it directly impacts the reliability of file analysis tools and can be used to hide malicious file attributes or alter the perceived functionality of legitimate executables.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4464 extends beyond simple display manipulation to potentially compromise security investigations and incident response activities. Forensic analysts relying on Total Commander's Fileinfo plugin for malware analysis or system auditing may encounter misleading information when examining PE files, leading to incorrect conclusions about file behavior or malicious intent. The vulnerability can be exploited to create false impressions of file metadata, potentially obscuring indicators of compromise or hiding malicious code within legitimate-looking executables. This manipulation directly contradicts the fundamental principles of digital forensics and can significantly complicate malware analysis workflows, as investigators may waste time pursuing false leads based on corrupted display information. The vulnerability also represents a broader class of issues related to proper input sanitization in file analysis tools, highlighting the critical importance of validating all input data before display, particularly in security-critical applications that form the foundation of forensic investigations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4464 require both immediate and long-term approaches to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Total Commander or applying the vendor-specific fix that properly sanitizes CRLF sequences in file header information processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures within their file analysis workflows, ensuring that all external file data is sanitized before display or processing. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based controls to prevent execution of suspicious PE files, particularly in environments where file analysis tools are used for security monitoring. From a defensive standpoint, the vulnerability underscores the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining updated forensic tools that properly handle potentially malicious input data. This case study aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and highlights the broader category of input validation weaknesses that can impact security tool reliability. Organizations should also consider implementing additional verification steps during forensic analysis, such as cross-referencing information from multiple tools or employing automated validation processes to detect potential data manipulation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign file analysis tools can become attack vectors when proper input sanitization is not implemented, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle.