CVE-2017-14301 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!DllUnregisterServer+0x00000000000076d3."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14301 affects STDU Viewer version 1.6.375, a document viewing application that processes various file formats including JB2 images. This critical security flaw represents a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted .jb2 files, potentially allowing remote code execution or system denial of service. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the STDUJBIG2File.dll component, specifically during the DllUnregisterServer function execution where faulting address data directly influences subsequent write operations. The flaw manifests at offset 0x00000000000076d3 within the DLL's unregistration routine, creating a predictable pattern of memory corruption that attackers can leverage for exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This particular implementation exhibits characteristics consistent with CWE-787, indicating an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that occurs when a program writes data past the end of a buffer allocated on the heap. The attack vector involves supplying a specially crafted JB2 file that triggers the vulnerable code path during file processing, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based exploitation pattern where the faulting address controls the subsequent write operations, creating opportunities for code injection attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on STDU Viewer for document processing, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted documents from external sources. The exploitability of this flaw means that an attacker could potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, leading to complete system compromise. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability can be equally damaging, as it can cause legitimate users to lose access to document viewing capabilities, potentially disrupting business operations. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used document viewer application increases its potential impact across multiple industries and organizational sizes.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation strategies including applying available vendor patches, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and deploying application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of untrusted file types. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation may involve execution of malicious code through compromised applications. System administrators should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other document processing applications within the organization's attack surface.