CVE-2008-1461 in XnView
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in XnView 1.92.1 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename argument on the command line. NOTE: it is unclear whether there are common handler configurations in which this argument is controlled by an attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1461 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within XnView version 1.92.1 that exposes the application to potential remote code execution attacks. This issue manifests when the application processes command line arguments containing excessively long filename parameters, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the program's execution space. The vulnerability's severity stems from its user-assisted nature, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to execute a specially crafted command line invocation, but once triggered, the consequences can be catastrophic for system integrity and security.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs at the command line parsing level where XnView fails to properly validate or constrain the length of filename arguments provided during execution. When a maliciously long filename string is passed as a command line parameter, the application's internal buffer allocation mechanism cannot accommodate the excessive input, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program variables. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation scenarios as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the XnView process. This means that if an attacker can influence how a user invokes XnView with malicious command line arguments, they could potentially gain complete control over the affected system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be delivered through various means including phishing emails, malicious websites, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into executing compromised command line invocations. The vulnerability's unclear nature regarding common handler configurations suggests that exploitation might be more limited in practice, but the potential for widespread impact remains significant given the prevalence of image viewing applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of affected XnView installations to the latest secure versions that address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement strict input validation controls and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of untrusted command line arguments. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of executing unknown or untrusted command line invocations, particularly those involving image processing applications. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage command line interfaces to execute malicious payloads, making comprehensive endpoint protection and monitoring essential for preventing successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.