CVE-2017-15257 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!xmlParserInputRead+0x000000000009174a."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15257 represents a critical code execution flaw in IrfanView version 4.44 when utilizing the PDF plugin version 4.43. This issue manifests through improper handling of maliciously crafted pdf files that can be leveraged by attackers to either execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems or induce denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically originates from the PDF plugin's xmlParserInputRead function where data from a faulting address directly controls code flow, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can influence program execution paths. The flaw exists within the memory management and parsing mechanisms of the pdf plugin component, which fails to properly validate input data before processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption pattern where the faulting address data directly influences the control flow of the xmlParserInputRead function. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate memory contents to redirect program execution to malicious code locations. The specific address offset of 0x000000000009174a within the PDF!xmlParserInputRead function indicates the precise location where the code flow control occurs, making this a highly targeted and potentially exploitable condition. The vulnerability falls under CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write categories, as the flaw allows for memory access violations that can be leveraged for code execution. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where adversaries may abuse vulnerable applications to execute malicious commands through crafted input files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can result in complete system compromise when exploited. An attacker could potentially gain full control over a victim's system through this vulnerability, particularly in environments where IrfanView is used to process untrusted pdf files. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability means that even successful exploitation without code execution could render the application unusable, causing operational disruption. The 32-bit architecture of the vulnerable IrfanView version presents additional attack surface considerations, as 32-bit applications often have more limited memory protection mechanisms compared to their 64-bit counterparts. Organizations using IrfanView with PDF plugin functionality face significant risk, especially in environments where users may encounter malicious pdf files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected IrfanView version and PDF plugin to address the underlying memory handling issues. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of pdf files, particularly in high-risk environments. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can process pdf files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in third-party plugins, as the PDF plugin represents an external component that can introduce security flaws into the main application. Regular security assessments of third-party software components and implementation of sandboxing techniques for pdf processing can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted pdf files and implementing email filtering solutions to detect malicious attachments can provide additional defense layers against this type of attack.