CVE-2017-14296 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 "Data from Faulting Address controls subsequent Write Address starting at STDUJBIG2File!DllGetClassObject+0x00000000000043e6."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14296 affects STDU Viewer version 1.6.375, a document viewing application that processes various file formats including jb2 files. This particular flaw represents a critical security issue that could enable remote code execution or denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted jb2 files. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of data structures within the STDUJBIG2File.dll component, specifically during the DllGetClassObject function execution. The faulting address mentioned in the vulnerability description indicates a memory access issue that occurs at offset 0x43e6 within the DllGetClassObject function, suggesting a buffer overflow or memory corruption scenario.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a specially designed .jb2 file that triggers a fault during the loading process of the STDU Viewer application. When the application attempts to process this malicious file, the faulty address controls subsequent write operations, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause the application to crash. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a buffer overflow or heap-based vulnerability according to CWE standards. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on STDU Viewer for document processing. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. The denial of service aspect also poses serious operational challenges, as it could disrupt business processes and document workflows. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1489 (Service Stop) when considering the potential for both code execution and system disruption. The impact extends beyond individual users to enterprise environments where document management systems may be centralized and widely used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14296 should prioritize immediate patching of the STDU Viewer application to the latest version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures, particularly for jb2 files and other potentially vulnerable formats, through sandboxing or file type restrictions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of systems running STDU Viewer to untrusted file sources. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file processing activities and abnormal memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted files remains crucial, though this is less effective against automated attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping third-party applications updated and performing regular security assessments of document processing environments to prevent similar issues from affecting operational security posture.