CVE-2012-0897 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the JPEG2000 plugin in IrfanView PlugIns before 4.33 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a JPEG2000 (JP2) file with a crafted Quantization Default (QCD) marker segment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0897 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the JPEG2000 plugin of IrfanView image viewing software. This issue affects versions prior to 4.33 and stems from inadequate input validation when processing JPEG2000 file format marker segments, specifically the Quantization Default (QCD) marker. The flaw resides in the plugin's handling of malformed JP2 files that contain crafted QCD marker segments, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin attempts to parse the QCD marker segment without proper bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited through carefully constructed input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the characteristics of CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries. In the context of IrfanView's JPEG2000 plugin, the attacker crafts a JP2 file containing a malformed QCD marker segment that triggers the buffer overflow condition during image parsing operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the exploitation involves crafting malicious input that leads to code execution, though the specific attack vector involves file format parsing rather than script execution. The buffer overflow occurs because the plugin does not properly validate the length field of the QCD marker segment, allowing an attacker to exceed the allocated buffer space and overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. When an unsuspecting user opens the malicious JP2 file through IrfanView, the vulnerable plugin processes the crafted QCD marker segment and triggers the buffer overflow, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or other untrusted sources. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond opening the image file, making it a significant threat vector for social engineering campaigns targeting users of IrfanView software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0897 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of IrfanView software, specifically version 4.33 or later, which includes proper bounds checking for QCD marker segments. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of IrfanView are updated across their network infrastructure. Additional defensive measures include deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file format patterns and implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted image files. Security administrators should also consider disabling or removing the JPEG2000 plugin from systems where it is not essential, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in file format parsers, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding standards and the principle of least privilege in software design. Regular security assessments of third-party plugins and libraries should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other image processing components that might present analogous attack vectors.