CVE-2017-15252 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 a "Read Access Violation on Block Data Move starting at PDF!xmlListWalk+0x00000000000158cb."
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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 manifests as a read access violation during a block data move operation within the PDF plugin's xmlListWalk function, specifically at the memory address PDF!xmlListWalk+0x0000000158cb. This type of memory corruption vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The flaw occurs when the PDF plugin processes malformed pdf documents without proper input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns that result in arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially designed pdf file that triggers the memory access violation during the xmlListWalk function execution. When IrfanView loads this malicious pdf file, the PDF plugin's parsing routine encounters the malformed data structure and attempts to move block data to memory locations that are either unallocated or protected, causing the read access violation. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running IrfanView, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a widely used image viewing application that processes pdf documents, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit user trust in common software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to include potential system compromise and data exposure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code on victim systems, potentially installing malware, establishing backdoors, or exfiltrating sensitive information. The vulnerability affects systems running IrfanView 4.44 with the PDF plugin 4.43, which represents a significant user base across various environments including corporate networks, educational institutions, and personal computers. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to convince a user to open a malicious pdf file, making it a prime candidate for phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious documents to execute code, and represents a classic example of how third-party plugins can introduce security risks into otherwise legitimate applications.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest versions of IrfanView and the PDF plugin to mitigate this vulnerability, as no reliable workarounds exist for the flaw. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and consider disabling pdf plugin functionality until patches are applied. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in third-party software components, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of plugin architectures. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing network-based detection rules targeting the specific memory access patterns associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening pdf files from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date software and the potential consequences of failing to apply security patches promptly.