CVE-2017-9882 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 "Read Access Violation on Block Data Move starting at FPX!FPX_GetScanDevicePropertyGroup+0x000000000000b84f."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9882 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the FPX Plugin version 4.46, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions. This issue manifests through the processing of specially crafted .fpx files, which are part of the FlashPix image format designed for high-resolution imaging applications. The vulnerability specifically occurs within the FPX plugin's handling of image data structures, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled input can manipulate memory operations in unexpected ways.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from a read access violation during a block data move operation within the FPX_GetScanDevicePropertyGroup function. This function is responsible for processing device property groups within FlashPix files, but fails to properly validate input data structures before attempting memory operations. The memory access violation occurs at the specific offset 0x000000000000b84f within the function, indicating that the plugin attempts to read from an invalid memory location or access memory that has not been properly allocated for the operation. This type of memory corruption vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and can potentially lead to privilege escalation or remote code execution depending on the execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates opportunities for remote code execution attacks that can be leveraged by malicious actors. When a user opens a maliciously crafted .fpx file through IrfanView, the plugin's improper memory handling can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted image files, such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where IrfanView might be used for document processing or image management tasks.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns that deliver malicious .fpx files to unsuspecting users, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability as a "Memory Injection" technique, where attackers manipulate memory operations to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges beyond the ability to convince a user to open a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable plugins, and should prioritize updating to patched versions of IrfanView and the FPX plugin to eliminate this attack vector.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves immediate patching of IrfanView to version 4.45 or later, which includes fixes for the FPX plugin memory handling issues. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing security controls such as sandboxing for image processing applications, network-based intrusion detection systems, and user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other instances of the vulnerable plugin in their environment, as similar memory corruption issues might exist in other image processing libraries or plugins that have not yet been patched. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing applications, particularly those handling complex file formats like FlashPix.