CVE-2017-2823 in PowerISO
Summary
by MITRE
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the .ISO parsing functionality of PowerISO 6.8. A specially crafted .ISO file can cause a vulnerability resulting in potential code execution. An attacker can send a specific .ISO file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2823 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within PowerISO version 6.8's ISO file parsing mechanism. This security weakness arises from improper memory management during the processing of maliciously crafted ISO files, creating an exploitable condition that could lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's ability to handle malformed ISO container files, where the software attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or deallocated, resulting in unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within PowerISO's ISO parsing engine. When the application encounters a specially crafted ISO file containing malformed data structures, it processes the file without proper bounds checking or memory state verification. This flaw manifests as a classic use-after-free condition where the software references memory that has been freed, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the program flow by controlling the freed memory contents. The vulnerability falls under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, representing one of the most dangerous memory corruption vulnerabilities due to its potential for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with a potential path to complete system compromise. An attacker could craft a malicious ISO file that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would trigger the use-after-free condition and enable remote code execution. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted ISO files through email attachments, file sharing platforms, or malicious websites. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it highly effective for social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters, as successful exploitation could lead to execution of malicious payloads through the compromised application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2823 should prioritize immediate software updates from PowerISO vendors, as this vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and consider sandboxing ISO file processing to contain potential exploits. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious ISO file transfers and implement email filtering rules that block potentially malicious ISO attachments. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted ISO files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from unknown sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in preventing exploitation of memory corruption flaws, aligning with security best practices outlined in the CWE top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses and various NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.