CVE-2017-9886 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with FPX Plugin 4.46 allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .fpx file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at ntdll_77df0000!RtlpLowFragHeapFree+0x000000000000001f."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9886 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the FPX Plugin version 4.46, presenting a critical security risk that can lead to denial of service conditions or potentially more severe unspecified impacts. This flaw manifests through the processing of specially crafted .fpx files, which are part of the FlashPix image format commonly used for high-resolution digital photography and imaging applications. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during the parsing of these malicious files, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies within the ntdll_77df0000!RtlpLowFragHeapFree function, specifically at the RtlpLowFragHeapFree+0x000000000000001f offset, which represents a critical heap memory management routine in the Windows operating system. When an attacker supplies a malformed .fpx file, the FPX plugin within IrfanView triggers a faulting address that directly influences branch selection logic within the Windows kernel heap management system. This condition creates a scenario where the program's execution flow becomes unpredictable and potentially exploitable, leading to system instability or complete application crash. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflow conditions and memory corruption issues that fall under CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, as the system attempts to manage memory structures beyond their allocated boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the heap corruption to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. An attacker could potentially craft a .fpx file that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would cause IrfanView to crash or behave unpredictably, disrupting normal workflow operations. In environments where IrfanView is used for critical image processing or where users might encounter untrusted files, this vulnerability creates a significant risk. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a potential target for social engineering campaigns or automated exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9886 should include immediate patching of IrfanView to version 4.45 or later, which contains fixes for the FPX plugin memory handling issues. System administrators should also implement strict file validation procedures and consider disabling the FPX plugin entirely if it is not required for business operations. Network-based defenses could include content filtering solutions that scan for potentially malicious file formats, though this approach has limitations given the complex nature of image file formats. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of IrfanView to trusted environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code, and T1499 Endpoint Denial of Service, which specifically addresses attacks that cause systems to become unavailable. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, as outlined in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-160 standards for secure software development practices.