CVE-2017-9534 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!GetPlugInInfo+0x0000000000017426."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9534 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the FPX Plugin version 4.46, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted file formats. This issue specifically targets the FPX file format plugin functionality within the image viewing software, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by threat actors without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability manifests through a user mode write access violation that occurs during the execution of the FPX!GetPlugInInfo function, indicating a memory corruption issue that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt normal operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the FPX plugin component of IrfanView, which fails to adequately sanitize or validate the structure of .fpx files before processing them. This flaw creates a condition where an attacker can craft a malicious .fpx file that, when opened by the vulnerable software, triggers a buffer overflow or memory corruption during the plugin information retrieval process. The specific error location at FPX!GetPlugInInfo+0x0000000000017426 indicates that the issue occurs within the function responsible for retrieving plugin metadata, suggesting that the software does not properly handle malformed or oversized data structures during plugin initialization. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe memory manipulation that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9534 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities through the execution of malicious code within the context of the IrfanView process. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering crafted .fpx files through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open image files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used image viewing application means that exploitation can occur in various scenarios including corporate environments, personal computing, and public computing facilities where users might inadvertently open malicious files. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9534 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from IrfanView developers, as well as network-based protections such as file type filtering and content scanning to prevent malicious .fpx files from reaching end users. Organizations should implement strict access controls and user education programs to minimize the risk of accidental exploitation, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted file attachments or downloads. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in plugin architectures, as well as the need for regular security assessments of third-party components. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image file processing and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and the potential consequences of using outdated plugins or components that may contain unpatched security flaws.