CVE-2017-14572 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 .xps file, related to a "User Mode Write AV starting at Unknown Symbol @ 0x000000000479049b called from Unknown Symbol @ 0x000000000d89645b."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14572 affects STDU Viewer version 1.6.375, a document viewing application that processes XPS (XML Paper Specification) files. This critical security flaw represents a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted XPS documents. The vulnerability manifests during the processing of specially constructed XPS files, which triggers an access violation in the application's memory management routines. The specific error pattern indicates a user mode write access violation occurring at memory address 0x000000000479049b, with the fault originating from another location at 0x000000000d89645b, suggesting a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, indicating out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires an attacker to convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted XPS file through the vulnerable STDU Viewer application, making this a typical client-side exploit scenario. The technical implementation involves the application's failure to properly validate the size and structure of XPS document elements during parsing operations, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. This memory corruption can result in either arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the victim user or a denial of service condition that crashes the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with complete system compromise when the victim opens the malicious document. The vulnerability affects users who rely on STDU Viewer for document processing, particularly in enterprise environments where document sharing is common. The attack surface is broad since XPS files can be distributed through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, and removable media. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using older versions of STDU Viewer, as the application's memory handling routines have not been updated to prevent such buffer overflow conditions. The exploitation potential makes this a high-severity issue that requires immediate attention and remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14572 should focus on immediate application updates from the vendor, which would include patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the XPS file processing module. Organizations should implement strict file type filtering and sandboxing measures for document processing, particularly for XPS files that may contain embedded content. Network-based mitigations could include content inspection systems that identify suspicious XPS file characteristics, though this approach is less reliable than direct application patching. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to prevent opening untrusted documents, as social engineering remains a common delivery method for such exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in document processing applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for legitimate user execution and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting known buffer overflow vulnerabilities in document viewers.