CVE-2017-14289 in STDU Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
STDU Viewer 1.6.375 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 STDUJBIG2File!DllGetClassObject+0x000000000000303e."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-14289 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in STDU Viewer version 1.6.375 that enables remote code execution or denial of service through maliciously crafted .jb2 files. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the STDUJBIG2File component, specifically manifesting during the processing of JBIG2 image format files. The vulnerability occurs at the DllGetClassObject function within the STDUJBIG2File module, where a user mode write access violation takes place at offset 0x303e, indicating a classic stack corruption scenario that can be exploited by attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition where the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming JBIG2 file data. When processing a crafted .jb2 file, the application allocates insufficient memory buffers to accommodate the malformed input data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of a document viewer application, which users frequently open without considering security implications. The attack vector requires merely enticing a victim to open a specially crafted .jb2 file, making it highly exploitable in phishing campaigns or malicious document distribution scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and denial of service conditions. An attacker could craft a malicious .jb2 file that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would trigger the buffer overflow and potentially allow for privilege escalation or complete system control. The vulnerability affects both local and remote exploitation scenarios since the application's processing of external files can be initiated through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. The denial of service aspect means that even if code execution is not achieved, the application crashes reliably, disrupting legitimate user activities and potentially enabling DoS attacks against targeted systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14289 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from the vendor as the most effective solution, since the vulnerability is a known issue with documented exploitation techniques. System administrators should implement strict file type filtering and sandboxing measures to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files, particularly JBIG2 images which are less commonly used in enterprise environments. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls should be configured to block .jb2 file transfers and scans for suspicious file content. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted document files, and organizations should maintain updated antivirus signatures that can detect malicious .jb2 files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow conditions and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for both defensive and detection measures across multiple security layers.