CVE-2017-15249 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+0x00000000000668d6."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15249 affects 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. This vulnerability resides within the PDF plugin component that handles pdf document processing, specifically manifesting in how the software manages data from faulting addresses that ultimately control code flow within the xmlGetGlobalState function. The technical nature of this flaw suggests a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption issue where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate memory addresses and redirect program execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to include potential system compromise and service disruption. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted pdf files that trigger memory corruption when processed by IrfanView, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability's location within the PDF plugin's xmlGetGlobalState function indicates that the flaw occurs during the parsing and processing of pdf metadata or structural elements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by opening a malicious pdf file. This represents a significant risk for users who frequently handle pdf documents, especially in enterprise environments where document processing is common.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate programs that are used to gain initial access or execute malicious code. The specific reference to "PDF!xmlGetGlobalState+0x00000000000668d6" indicates that the vulnerability exists at a precise memory offset, suggesting a well-defined memory corruption pattern that could be reliably exploited by attackers. Organizations using IrfanView with PDF plugin functionality face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users unknowingly open malicious pdf attachments, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15249 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with updated versions of IrfanView and the PDF plugin, as this represents a critical vulnerability that requires prompt remediation. System administrators should implement network-level controls to block pdf file transfers from untrusted sources and consider disabling pdf plugin functionality in environments where the risk is high. Additionally, users should be trained to avoid opening pdf files from unknown or untrusted sources, and organizations should maintain updated antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that memory protection mechanisms such as DEP and ASLR may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, making proper code validation and input sanitization essential. Regular security assessments should verify that systems are properly updated and that no legacy versions of the PDF plugin remain in use, as even brief exposure to this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise.