CVE-2017-14273 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 .jb2 file, related to a "User Mode Write AV starting at ntdll_77400000!RtlInterlockedPopEntrySList+0x00000000000003b0."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
CVE-2017-14273 represents a critical vulnerability in XnView Classic for Windows version 2.40 that enables remote code execution or denial of service through maliciously crafted .jb2 files. This vulnerability resides in the image processing component of the software, specifically within the handling of Joint Bi-level Image file format which is commonly used for fax and document imaging applications. The flaw manifests as a user mode write access violation occurring at ntdll_77400000!RtlInterlockedPopEntrySList+0x00000000000003b0, indicating a heap-based buffer overflow or memory corruption issue during the processing of structured data within the Windows kernel's synchronization primitives.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages improper bounds checking and memory management within XnView's image parser when encountering malformed .jb2 file structures. Attackers can craft specially designed image files that trigger a write operation to memory locations that are either unallocated or protected, causing the application to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and specifically relates to improper handling of memory operations in user mode applications that interact with kernel-level functions. The vulnerability's location within the RtlInterlockedPopEntrySList function suggests that the exploitation involves manipulation of singly linked lists and atomic operations that are fundamental to Windows thread synchronization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potential system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code on vulnerable systems. Since XnView is commonly used for viewing various image formats, the attack surface is broad and includes users who may unknowingly open malicious files from email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be triggered through normal application usage patterns. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The attack vector represents a classic example of a file format parsing vulnerability that can be weaponized through social engineering or automated exploit delivery mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14273 should include immediate patching of XnView Classic to version 2.41 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the image parsing logic and memory management routines. Organizations should implement strict file type validation and sandboxing measures for image files, particularly those received from untrusted sources or external networks. Network administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vulnerable applications until patches are deployed. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted image files, and security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia applications, as highlighted by industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards and the OWASP Top Ten security risks.