CVE-2017-15248 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .pdf file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Code Flow starting at PDF!xmlGetGlobalState+0x0000000000063ca6."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
This vulnerability exists in IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the PDF plugin version 4.43, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted pdf files. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of data from faulting addresses that ultimately controls code flow within the PDF plugin component, specifically at the PDF!xmlGetGlobalState function offset 0x0000000000063ca6. The issue manifests when the application processes malformed pdf documents that contain crafted data structures designed to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities during parsing operations.
The technical flaw exploits a buffer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of xml elements within pdf files, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the application by controlling data from faulting addresses. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 CWE category for stack-based buffer overflow conditions and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of remote services through malformed input data. The specific location of the vulnerability at PDF!xmlGetGlobalState function indicates that the issue originates from improper validation of xml parsing operations within the pdf plugin module.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running IrfanView, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker could craft a malicious pdf file that, when opened by an affected IrfanView user, would trigger the buffer overflow condition and provide remote code execution capabilities. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited to cause denial of service by crashing the application through controlled memory corruption, effectively preventing legitimate users from accessing pdf files through the vulnerable software.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate installation of updated versions of IrfanView and the PDF plugin where available, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of pdf files from untrusted sources, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious content. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems can be configured to detect and block pdf files with suspicious characteristics, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan pdf files before opening them. Users should be educated about the risks of opening pdf files from unknown sources and the importance of keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in plugin components that handle untrusted data formats, emphasizing the need for defensive programming practices and regular security assessments of third-party software components.