CVE-2017-15262 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+0x0000000000048d0c."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15262 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 issue stems from improper input validation within the pdf plugin's xml parser component, specifically in the xmlParserInputRead function where faulting address data directly influences code flow execution. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes malformed pdf documents that trigger memory corruption conditions during parsing operations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution paths.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities where attackers can access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability occurs at the PDF!xmlParserInputRead+0x00000000000048d0c memory address, indicating a specific code path within the xml parsing routine that fails to properly validate input data from faulting addresses. This allows attackers to construct pdf files that, when opened by the vulnerable IrfanView application, cause the xml parser to read invalid memory locations and subsequently execute arbitrary code or trigger system crashes. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data influences program execution flow through improper bounds checking.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who regularly process pdf documents through IrfanView, particularly in enterprise environments where the application may be used for document review or image processing workflows. The attack vector requires only that a user open a maliciously crafted pdf file, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through social engineering campaigns or automated phishing attacks. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full system control, while denial of service capabilities could disrupt legitimate business operations and user productivity. Organizations relying on IrfanView for document handling face substantial risk exposure, especially in environments where users may encounter untrusted pdf content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15262 should prioritize immediate patching of both IrfanView and the PDF plugin to the latest versions that address the xml parsing vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of pdf files from untrusted sources, particularly in environments where users may encounter suspicious documents. Network-level controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help block malicious pdf files before they reach end-user systems. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening pdf files from unknown sources and encourage verification of document origins. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain system access, making it critical for organizations to maintain current threat intelligence and implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes. Regular security assessments should include verification of application versions and plugin configurations to prevent exploitation of similar parsing vulnerabilities in other components.