CVE-2017-15247 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+0x00000000001168a1."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15247 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 flaw manifests through the processing of maliciously crafted pdf files that exploit a specific memory access pattern within the application's pdf parsing functionality. The vulnerability stems from how the application handles faulting addresses during xml parsing operations, specifically at the PDF!xmlParserInputRead function offset 0x1168a1, which creates an unpredictable execution flow that can be manipulated by attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when an application reads data from memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and control flow manipulation, where an attacker can craft a pdf file that causes the application to read from invalid memory addresses, thereby corrupting the execution path. This specific location in the xml parsing function represents a critical point where the application's branch selection logic becomes vulnerable to manipulation through malformed input data, creating potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application. When an unsuspecting user opens a maliciously crafted pdf file through IrfanView, the application's pdf plugin processes the file and encounters the malformed data structure that triggers the vulnerability. The faulting address manipulation causes the xml parser to make incorrect branch selections, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for privilege escalation or system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects users who frequently open pdf files or use IrfanView for document viewing, making it a significant risk in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted pdf content.
Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest versions of IrfanView and the PDF plugin where available, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of IrfanView with pdf plugin functionality to trusted environments, and deploy network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious pdf file patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening pdf files from untrusted sources remains crucial, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks that trick users into opening malicious documents. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for exploitation purposes, making it a multi-faceted threat requiring comprehensive defensive measures.