CVE-2013-6932 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in IrfanView before 4.37, when a multibyte-character directory name is used, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file that is incorrectly handled by the Thumbnail tooltips feature in the Thumbnails window.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6932 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within IrfanView version 4.36 and earlier, which can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the software processes multibyte-character directory names, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted files can trigger the overflow condition during thumbnail tooltip generation. The flaw exists within the Thumbnails window functionality, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input data when handling file paths containing multibyte characters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the thumbnail tooltip processing code, which is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow condition. When IrfanView encounters a directory name containing multibyte characters, the application's internal buffer management fails to account for the variable length encoding that multibyte character sets employ, leading to memory corruption. The attack vector requires user interaction, as remote attackers must convince victims to open a specially crafted file through the thumbnail preview feature, making this a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6932 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the victim's system with the privileges of the user running IrfanView. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects systems running IrfanView versions prior to 4.37, making it particularly dangerous in environments where legacy software remains in use, as the attack can be initiated through web-based file sharing or email attachments that contain maliciously crafted image files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to IrfanView version 4.37 or later, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking for multibyte character handling. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of vulnerable software and monitor for suspicious file access patterns. Network-based defenses can include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious file content, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan for known vulnerable software versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in multimedia applications, particularly when handling international character sets, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding standards and the CWE guidelines for buffer overflow prevention.