CVE-2017-15241 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .pdf file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at PDF!xmlParserInputRead+0x00000000000929f5."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15241 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the PDF plugin version 4.43, presenting a critical security risk that can lead to denial of service conditions or potentially more severe consequences. This issue manifests through the processing of maliciously crafted pdf files that exploit a specific flaw in the xmlParserInputRead function within the PDF plugin component. The vulnerability's root cause lies in how the application handles data from a faulting address that controls branch selection during pdf parsing operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers to disrupt normal application functionality.
The technical flaw resides in the PDF plugin's xmlParserInputRead function at offset 0x00000000000929f5, where the application fails to properly validate input data from potentially malicious pdf files. When IrfanView processes a crafted pdf file, the faulting address data influences the program's branch selection mechanism, potentially causing unpredictable execution paths that can lead to application crashes or system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of control flow corruption, which is classified as CWE-122 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, representing weaknesses that allow attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest potential for more serious consequences. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges, particularly in environments where IrfanView is used to process untrusted pdf documents. The vulnerability affects systems running IrfanView 4.44 with the specific PDF plugin version 4.43, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious pdf attachments or documents. This represents a significant risk in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks where adversaries could use crafted pdf files to compromise systems.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. The attack surface is broad since IrfanView is commonly used for viewing various document types, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit user trust. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as simply opening a malicious pdf file within IrfanView can trigger the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios. Organizations should consider implementing multiple layers of defense, including email filtering, web application firewalls, and user education programs to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of IrfanView to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, as well as implementing strict file validation procedures for pdf documents in enterprise environments. System administrators should also consider disabling the PDF plugin if pdf viewing capabilities are not essential, or implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate pdf processing operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular software updates and security assessments, particularly for applications that handle external file formats. Organizations should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other image viewing applications and ensure comprehensive vulnerability management processes are in place to address such issues proactively.