CVE-2017-15784 in XnView Classic
Summary
by MITRE
XnView Classic for Windows Version 2.43 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .dwg file, related to an "Illegal Instruction Violation starting at xnview+0x0000000000370074."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15784 represents a critical security flaw in XnView Classic for Windows version 2.43 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through manipulation of .dwg files. This issue stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the image processing pipeline, specifically when parsing AutoCAD drawing files that contain maliciously crafted data structures. The vulnerability manifests as an illegal instruction violation occurring at the memory address xnview+0x0000000000370074, indicating a direct manipulation of processor execution flow through malformed input data. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read category and are classified as privilege escalation risks within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the XnView application attempts to parse a specially crafted .dwg file that contains malformed instructions or data structures designed to trigger unexpected behavior in the application's parsing engine. When the application encounters these malicious elements, it executes code that leads to an illegal instruction violation, which typically results in application crash or, in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application. The specific memory address mentioned in the vulnerability description points to a critical execution point where the processor encounters invalid machine instructions, likely due to buffer overflows or pointer manipulation caused by the malformed .dwg file structure. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple file opening operations, making it an ideal candidate for social engineering attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15784 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. When an attacker successfully triggers this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running XnView, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where XnView is commonly used for image management and document handling. Organizations that rely on XnView for processing user-generated content or automated document workflows face significant risk exposure, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt business operations through denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that .dwg files are commonly shared in professional environments, making it easy for attackers to deliver payloads through seemingly legitimate file transfers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15784 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term remediation approaches. Organizations should immediately disable or restrict the processing of .dwg files within XnView Classic installations until a patched version is deployed, implementing file type filtering at network boundaries or through endpoint protection solutions. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to XnView Classic version 2.44 or later, which includes proper input validation and memory handling fixes that prevent the illegal instruction violations from occurring. Security teams should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help prevent social engineering attacks that might attempt to deliver malicious .dwg files through phishing campaigns or other deceptive means, as the vulnerability can be exploited through user interaction with seemingly benign files.