CVE-2017-14299 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+0x000000000000384b."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-14299 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in STDU Viewer version 1.6.375 that arises from improper handling of maliciously crafted .jb2 files. This flaw exists within the STDUJBIG2File!DllGetClassObject function at offset 0x384b, where data from a faulting address directly influences subsequent write operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management when processing JBIG2 image format files, which are commonly used for document imaging and compression. Attackers can exploit this by crafting a specially formatted .jb2 file that triggers the overflow condition, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crash.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where attacker-controlled data flows into a fixed-size buffer without proper bounds checking. The faulting address in the STDUJBIG2File.dll module provides the initial data that gets copied into a vulnerable memory location, allowing subsequent write operations to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the dynamic link library initialization process, meaning successful exploitation can occur even before the application fully loads its user interface. This makes it an attractive target for privilege escalation attacks and remote code execution scenarios.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability affects users who process untrusted document files, particularly in enterprise environments where document viewers are frequently used for email attachments, file sharing, or document management systems. The vulnerability exists in a widely used document viewer application, making it a significant risk for organizations that do not maintain up-to-date security patches. The potential for arbitrary code execution means that attackers could gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The denial of service aspect also represents a serious concern for availability, as system crashes could disrupt critical business operations and require manual intervention to restore services.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the STDU Viewer application to the latest version that contains the necessary memory safety fixes. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent processing of untrusted .jb2 files, particularly in email systems and file sharing platforms. Network-based solutions such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious .jb2 file transfers. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening suspicious document attachments and organizations should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for document processing. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through malicious document files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated document viewer applications to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.