CVE-2017-15253 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 "User Mode Write AV starting at PDF!xmlGetGlobalState+0x000000000007dff2."
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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 a user mode write access violation occurring at the PDF!xmlGetGlobalState+0x000000000007dff2 memory location, indicating a heap-based buffer overflow or memory corruption issue within the pdf plugin's xml parsing functionality. The flaw manifests when the application processes specially crafted pdf documents that contain malformed xml structures, allowing attackers to manipulate memory operations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of heap-based buffer overflow conditions as classified by CWE-121, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications fail to properly validate input data length or structure before processing, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for code execution. The specific error location at PDF!xmlGetGlobalState suggests the issue originates in the plugin's xml parsing routine, where improper handling of xml elements or attributes creates an exploitable condition. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious pdf file. This makes it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when users download files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability can also be leveraged for denial of service attacks, where the memory corruption causes the application to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering IrfanView unusable. Attackers can craft pdf files that trigger the specific memory access violation, potentially leading to system compromise or complete application failure. The 32-bit architecture of the vulnerable version makes exploitation more likely due to the limited memory addressing space and potential for memory layout manipulation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of both IrfanView and the PDF plugin to the latest versions that contain memory safety improvements and bounds checking. Organizations should also implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of pdf files from untrusted sources, particularly in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious attachments. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls or content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious pdf files before they reach end users. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening pdf files from unknown sources and should be encouraged to keep their software updated. System administrators should consider disabling the pdf plugin entirely if pdf viewing is not essential for business operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Regular security assessments should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or applications that may be susceptible to similar memory corruption issues, particularly those involving xml parsing or document processing components.