CVE-2017-15800 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.50 (64bit) allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .dll file that is mishandled during an attempt to render the DLL icon, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls subsequent Write Address starting at ntdll!memcpy+0x00000000000000a0."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15800 affects IrfanView version 4.50 64bit and represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition that arises during the processing of dynamically loaded library files. This flaw occurs when the application attempts to render the icon of a maliciously crafted .dll file, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data influences memory operations within the application's execution context. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of data from the faulting address that subsequently controls the write address operations within the ntdll!memcpy function, specifically at offset 0xa0 within the memory copy routine. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which represents a fundamental weakness in memory management where data written to a buffer exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries. The attack vector leverages the application's icon extraction mechanism, which is commonly used when browsing file systems or displaying file information, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and denial of service conditions. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the IrfanView process, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges or install malicious software on the target system. The heap corruption that occurs during the memcpy operation creates a predictable memory layout that attackers can manipulate to overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses, enabling code injection attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the successful exploitation allows for elevation of privileges through the compromised application process. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it can be triggered without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15800 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to IrfanView version 4.51 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management during DLL icon processing. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted DLL files and configure the application to disable automatic icon rendering for potentially malicious files. Network-level defenses should include monitoring for suspicious file transfers and implementing sandboxing techniques for file analysis. System administrators should also consider disabling the automatic preview feature for file types that could trigger this vulnerability and establish regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify unpatched systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, aligning with security standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security controls that emphasize secure coding practices and vulnerability management. Additionally, organizations should implement robust incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's stealthy nature makes it difficult to detect through conventional security monitoring approaches.