CVE-2017-8370 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with FPX Plugin 4.45 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (Heap Corruption and application crash) in processing a FlashPix (.FPX) file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-7721.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8370 represents a critical heap corruption flaw within IrfanView version 4.44 when utilizing the FPX Plugin version 4.45. This security weakness specifically manifests during the processing of FlashPix (.FPX) image files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates through a heap-based memory corruption mechanism that fundamentally compromises the application's memory management integrity, making it particularly dangerous in exploitation scenarios.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling within the FPX plugin's parsing routines for FlashPix file structures. When IrfanView processes a maliciously crafted .FPX file, the plugin fails to properly validate the file's metadata and header information, leading to improper memory allocation and subsequent heap corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 CWE category for heap-based buffer overflow conditions, where attacker-controlled data influences memory operations. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate heap memory layout through carefully constructed file headers, potentially leading to code execution or application crashes that can be leveraged for remote exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who process untrusted image files, particularly in environments where IrfanView serves as a default image viewer or where automated processing of user-uploaded content occurs. The heap corruption can result in unpredictable application behavior including crashes, data corruption, or more severe consequences if exploitation is successful. Attackers can craft malicious FPX files that trigger the vulnerability when opened by vulnerable IrfanView installations, making this a particularly concerning issue for organizations that rely on this image viewer for document processing or user content handling. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that threat actors can deliver malicious payloads through various attack vectors without requiring local access to target systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-8370 should prioritize immediate patching of IrfanView installations to version 4.45 or later, which includes fixes for the FPX plugin memory handling issues. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent processing of untrusted image files, particularly in web-facing applications or automated processing environments. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense layers by restricting which systems can process potentially malicious image files. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command execution through compromised applications, making it a significant concern for incident response teams. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated IrfanView installations, and system administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts through unusual application crash patterns or memory allocation errors in system logs.