CVE-2017-10738 in XnView Classic
Summary
by MITRE
XnView Classic for Windows Version 2.40 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .rle file, related to a "Data Execution Prevention Violation starting at Unknown Symbol @ 0x000000002f32332f called from KERNELBASE!CompareStringW+0x0000000000000082."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2019
CVE-2017-10738 represents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in XnView Classic for Windows version 2.40 that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted .rle files. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the image parsing routine, specifically when processing Run-Length Encoded image files. The flaw manifests as a data execution prevention violation where the application attempts to execute code at an invalid memory address, specifically at symbol 0x000000002f32332f, which originates from the KERNELBASE!CompareStringW function. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and is classified as a memory safety error that directly impacts the application's ability to maintain secure execution boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a specially formatted .rle file that triggers a buffer overflow during image decompression. The application's failure to properly validate the length of data structures within the RLE file allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack or heap. When the application attempts to execute the comparison function at the invalid memory address, it triggers a crash or, in carefully crafted scenarios, allows arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of implementing robust bounds checking in multimedia processing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10738 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable full system compromise. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources, such as email attachments or file sharing platforms. The exploitation technique aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for execution purposes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of XnView Classic to version 2.45 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic opening of potentially malicious file types, particularly image files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify that no other applications within the environment are similarly vulnerable to buffer overflow attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of applying principle of least privilege and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all multimedia processing applications to prevent similar exploitation vectors.