CVE-2017-15752 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView 4.50 - 64bit with BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .dwg file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls subsequent Write Address starting at BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x000000000004d6b0."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15752 affects IrfanView version 4.50 64-bit when utilizing the BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted .dwg files. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the plugin's handling of AutoCAD drawing files, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can manipulate memory operations during file processing. The flaw specifically manifests at the address BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x000000000004d6b0, indicating a precise location within the plugin's memory management where faulty address data influences subsequent write operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a specially formatted .dwg file that triggers a memory corruption scenario when IrfanView attempts to process the file through the vulnerable plugin. The faulting address controls subsequent write operations, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution where malicious payloads can be injected and executed within the context of the IrfanView process. This represents a classic heap-based memory corruption vulnerability that allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and potentially gain complete system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it affects users who rely on IrfanView for image viewing and processing, particularly those who may encounter untrusted .dwg files in their workflow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks or social engineering campaigns. The plugin-based architecture of IrfanView creates an additional attack surface where third-party components can introduce critical flaws that affect the entire application ecosystem, demonstrating the inherent risks of plugin architectures in security-sensitive applications.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on victim systems. The vulnerability also relates to T1133 for External Remote Services and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, since successful exploitation could lead to persistent access through compromised user accounts or system privileges. Organizations using IrfanView with the affected plugin should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the BabaCAD4Image plugin, updating to patched versions, or implementing network-level controls to prevent .dwg file processing from untrusted sources. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia applications, particularly those that process complex file formats from potentially malicious sources.
The root cause of this vulnerability demonstrates poor memory management practices within the plugin's codebase, specifically failing to validate buffer boundaries and address controls during file processing operations. This flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the plugin operates with elevated memory access rights that should be restricted. Security researchers should note that similar vulnerabilities have been documented in other image processing libraries and CAD applications, indicating a broader pattern of memory corruption issues in file format parsers. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw emphasizes the need for comprehensive input sanitization and memory safety mechanisms in all file processing components, regardless of their perceived security importance. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their image processing workflows and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file handling operations to mitigate similar risks in other applications.