CVE-2017-14285 in XnView Classic
Summary
by MITRE
XnView Classic for Windows Version 2.40 allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .jb2 file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at ntdll_77400000!RtlInterlockedPopEntrySList+0x000000000000039b."
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14285 affects XnView Classic for Windows version 2.40 and represents a critical denial of service condition that can potentially lead to more severe consequences. This issue manifests when the application processes a specially crafted .jb2 file, which is a format used for storing JPEG 2000 image data. The flaw originates within the application's handling of malformed image data, specifically targeting the ntdll.dll component that forms the core of the windows operating system's runtime library. The vulnerability operates through a precise manipulation of memory addresses and control flow mechanisms that ultimately compromise the stability and functionality of the affected software.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the XnView Classic application. When processing the malicious .jb2 file, the software encounters a faulting address that directly influences branch selection within the Windows runtime library. Specifically, the execution flow is manipulated at the ntdll_77400000!RtlInterlockedPopEntrySList+0x000000000000039b address, which represents a critical function in the Windows kernel's handling of linked list operations. This particular location within the Windows NT runtime library is responsible for managing thread-safe stack operations and can be exploited to redirect program execution or cause unpredictable behavior through controlled memory access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. When an attacker successfully triggers this flaw, the application may crash, freeze, or exhibit erratic behavior that prevents normal operation. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that it could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly given its foundation in low-level system components that are fundamental to Windows operation. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where XnView Classic is used to process untrusted image files from various sources.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for "Exploitation for Client Execution," where adversaries leverage application flaws to execute malicious code or cause system instability. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the XnView Classic application to the latest version that addresses this specific vulnerability, implementation of strict file type validation and sanitization processes, and network-based filtering to prevent execution of potentially malicious .jb2 files. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vulnerable software and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.