CVE-2012-0684 in XnView
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in XnViewer (aka XnView) before 1.98.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file containing PSD record types, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0685.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0684 represents a critical integer overflow flaw in XnViewer, also known as XnView, affecting versions prior to 1.98.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of PSD (Photoshop Document) record types within the image processing pipeline of the software. The flaw exists in how the application processes certain structured data elements within PSD files, creating conditions where integer arithmetic operations can exceed their maximum representable values, leading to unexpected behavior in memory allocation and data processing routines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when XnViewer encounters specially crafted PSD files containing malformed record types that trigger integer overflow conditions during parsing operations. When the application attempts to process these records, the integer overflow causes subsequent memory allocations or buffer operations to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the program execution flow through carefully constructed input data that can overwrite critical memory regions including return addresses or function pointers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the parsing layer of image processing, where the application's memory management becomes directly susceptible to manipulation through crafted file content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution attacks against systems running vulnerable versions of XnViewer. Attackers can craft malicious PSD files that, when opened by an affected application, trigger the integer overflow condition and subsequently allow arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited through email attachments, web downloads, or other file delivery mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple exploitation as the vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, and further network reconnaissance activities.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses situations where integer arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the data type. This weakness is commonly exploited in file format parsers where attackers can manipulate numerical values in file headers or metadata to cause overflows that result in memory corruption. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving execution through file format vulnerabilities and privilege escalation through memory corruption, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it exploits a client-side application vulnerability to execute malicious code on target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0684 primarily involve immediate patching of XnViewer to version 1.98.5 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and integer overflow protection mechanisms in the PSD file processing code. Organizations should also implement file type restrictions and sandboxing measures for image processing applications, particularly when handling untrusted files from external sources. Network-based mitigations can include content filtering solutions that scan for potentially malicious file formats and prevent their delivery to vulnerable systems. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted image files, as the vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users are tricked into opening malicious files. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include checks for similar integer overflow conditions in other image processing libraries and applications to prevent similar issues in the broader software ecosystem.