CVE-2017-15259 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .pdf file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at PDF!xmlParserInputRead+0x000000000011624a."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15259 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the PDF plugin version 4.43, presenting a critical security risk that can lead to denial of service conditions or potentially more severe unspecified impacts. This flaw manifests through the processing of maliciously crafted pdf files that exploit a specific memory access pattern within the pdf plugin's xml parsing functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it originates from a faulting address that directly influences branch selection logic within the PDF!xmlParserInputRead function, indicating a potential control flow hijacking scenario that could be leveraged by attackers to disrupt normal application operation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the PDF plugin component of IrfanView. When a malicious pdf file is processed, the xml parser encounters malformed data that causes the faulting address to influence the program's execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of control flow corruption, which is classified as CWE-122 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The specific location of the issue at PDF!xmlParserInputRead+0x000000000011624a indicates that the problem occurs during xml parsing operations where the application fails to properly validate input data before using it to control program execution paths.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who regularly process pdf files through IrfanView, particularly in environments where automated processing or batch operations occur. The denial of service impact means that legitimate users could be unable to open pdf files, potentially disrupting workflows and productivity. The unspecified other impacts suggest that beyond simple service disruption, attackers might be able to execute arbitrary code or achieve privilege escalation depending on the system configuration. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The attack surface is particularly broad given IrfanView's widespread use for image viewing and document processing across various organizational environments.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-15259 requires immediate patching of both IrfanView and its PDF plugin components to the latest versions that address the memory handling issues in the xml parser. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent untrusted pdf files from being processed through IrfanView, particularly in high-risk environments. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual application behavior or denial of service patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in third-party plugins, as these components often represent significant security risks when not properly maintained. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for pdf processing operations to contain potential exploitation attempts and limit the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.