CVE-2017-14293 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 "Heap Corruption starting at wow64!Wow64LdrpInitialize+0x00000000000008e1."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14293 affects STDU Viewer version 1.6.375, a document viewing application that processes various file formats including the .jb2 format used for JPEG 2000 image files. This weakness represents a critical heap corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through maliciously crafted .jb2 files, potentially enabling remote code execution or denial of service conditions within the affected system environment.
The technical flaw manifests as heap corruption occurring at the wow64!Wow64LdrpInitialize+0x00000000000008e1 memory location, indicating that the vulnerability operates at the Windows WOW64 subsystem level where 32-bit applications run on 64-bit Windows systems. This heap corruption vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the STDU Viewer's JPEG 2000 file parser, specifically when processing malformed or specially crafted .jb2 file structures. The vulnerability exploits buffer overflows or improper memory allocation patterns that occur during the parsing of image metadata and compressed data streams within the JPEG 2000 format specification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to compromise systems running the affected viewer application. When a user opens a maliciously crafted .jb2 file, the heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application, potentially enabling attackers to install malware, steal data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects systems where STDU Viewer is installed and actively processes image files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14293 should include immediate application of vendor patches or updates to STDU Viewer version 1.6.376 or later, which contain fixed memory handling routines and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement restrictive file type handling policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious image files, particularly those with .jb2 extensions. Network-level defenses should include content filtering systems that scan and block suspicious image files, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual memory allocation patterns or process behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through application layer protocols, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader exploitation patterns.
Additional protective measures include disabling automatic file opening for potentially dangerous file types, implementing user education programs to avoid opening suspicious attachments, and maintaining regular system updates to address similar vulnerabilities in related software components. Organizations should also consider deploying application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of unauthorized applications and file processing utilities that could be leveraged to exploit similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in other software applications.