CVE-2017-15753 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView 4.50 - 64bit with BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3 allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .dwg file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x00000000000029c2."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2019
CVE-2017-15753 represents a critical vulnerability in IrfanView 4.50 64-bit when utilizing the BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3, demonstrating a classic buffer overflow condition that can lead to remote code execution or complete system compromise. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the plugin's handling of AutoCAD drawing files with the .dwg extension, where maliciously crafted file structures can trigger memory corruption at the address BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x00000000000029c2. The flaw operates as a stack-based buffer overflow that occurs when the plugin attempts to process malformed data from a faulting address, ultimately controlling branch selection logic within the application's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the principle of memory corruption through improper bounds checking in the plugin's code parsing routine. When IrfanView loads a specially crafted .dwg file through the BabaCAD4Image plugin, the application's memory management fails to properly validate the size of data structures, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with controlled data. This memory corruption directly impacts the processor's instruction pointer, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, addressing heap-based buffer overflows, though the specific manifestation in this case demonstrates characteristics of both categories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates a potential pathway for complete system compromise within the context of IrfanView's execution environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code on a victim's system, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as simply opening a malicious .dwg file within IrfanView triggers the vulnerable code path, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation, and T1059, covering execution through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15753 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements within affected environments. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching of the BabaCAD4Image plugin to version 1.4 or later, which contains proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict file type validation policies, particularly for CAD files, and consider disabling the BabaCAD4Image plugin entirely if its functionality is not essential for business operations. Network-based mitigations can include implementing file content inspection systems that identify and block potentially malicious .dwg files before they reach end-user systems. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software versions and implement proper application whitelisting to prevent execution of untrusted plugins. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-128 for software security, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and memory management in preventing exploitation of buffer overflow conditions.