CVE-2017-9532 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with FPX Plugin 4.46 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .fpx file, related to a "User Mode Write AV starting at FPX+0x0000000000001555."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9532 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in IrfanView version 4.44 when processing specially crafted .fpx files through the FPX Plugin version 4.46. This issue manifests as a user mode write access violation that occurs at the specific memory offset FPX+0x0000000000001555, indicating a precise location within the plugin's memory management structure where the overflow takes place. The flaw resides in the file format parsing mechanism that fails to properly validate input data length and structure, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the plugin's memory allocation and execution flow.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-121, which categorizes it as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific manifestation involves heap memory corruption. The attack vector requires an attacker to deliver a malicious .fpx file to a victim who has IrfanView installed with the vulnerable FPX plugin, typically through social engineering techniques such as email attachments or malicious downloads. The exploitation process involves crafting a file that triggers the buffer overflow during the image parsing routine, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates opportunities for remote code execution within the context of the user running IrfanView. When a victim opens the malicious file, the buffer overflow corrupts memory structures that control program execution, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised user. The vulnerability affects systems where IrfanView is used to process untrusted image files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open attachments or download images from untrusted sources. The memory corruption at FPX+0x0000000000001555 represents a critical point where the plugin's memory management fails to enforce proper bounds checking during file processing.
Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of IrfanView and the FPX plugin, as well as implementing strict file validation policies for image files received from external sources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which involves legitimate programs being used for code execution, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted image files and the importance of keeping software updated to protect against known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in image processing libraries, highlighting how seemingly benign file format parsers can become attack vectors when proper bounds checking is absent.