CVE-2017-9874 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!FPX_GetScanDevicePropertyGroup+0x0000000000007822."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9874 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the FPX Plugin version 4.46, presenting a critical security risk that can be exploited through maliciously crafted .fpx files. This issue manifests as a user mode write access violation within the FPX plugin's FPX_GetScanDevicePropertyGroup function, specifically at offset 0x0000000000007822, which represents a severe memory corruption flaw that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling within the FPX plugin's image processing routines. When IrfanView processes a specially crafted .fpx file, the plugin fails to properly validate the file structure and data contents before attempting to write to memory locations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, though it more accurately represents a heap-based memory corruption issue due to the nature of the write access violation occurring in user mode. The specific offset 0x0000000000007822 indicates the precise location where the memory corruption occurs during the FPX_GetScanDevicePropertyGroup function execution, making this a highly targeted exploit vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This represents a significant threat to endpoint security, particularly in environments where users might encounter malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or removable media. The vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering tactics, where users are tricked into opening malicious .fpx files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on IrfanView for image processing tasks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected software versions, as the vulnerability exists within the FPX plugin component that requires specific updates from the vendor. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and restrict the opening of image files from untrusted sources. The use of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection by preventing unauthorized code execution. Security teams should also monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, as the vulnerability's exploitation signature can be detected through anomalous memory access patterns and process behavior. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown image files and the importance of keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code within the victim's environment, and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it targets client-side applications through file-based attacks.