CVE-2017-9915 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with TOOLS plugin 4.50 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted file, related to a "Read Access Violation on Block Data Move starting at ntdll_77df0000!memcpy+0x0000000000000033."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9915 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the TOOLS plugin version 4.50, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through the manipulation of crafted files. This flaw manifests as a read access violation during a block data move operation within the ntdll module, specifically at the memcpy function address 0x33, indicating a memory corruption issue that occurs when the application attempts to process malformed input data. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the image processing pipeline, particularly when handling certain file formats that trigger the problematic memory copy operation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious file that, when opened by IrfanView with the vulnerable TOOLS plugin, causes the application to attempt copying data to an invalid memory location during the memcpy operation. This results in a memory access violation that can be leveraged by attackers to either execute arbitrary code within the context of the application or cause a crash that leads to denial of service. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no special privileges beyond normal user access and can be delivered through various file formats that IrfanView supports, making it highly accessible to threat actors. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the ntdll module, which means successful exploitation can potentially bypass many standard security controls and provide attackers with elevated privileges.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of a memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the victim system. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the vulnerability can be weaponized to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or serve as a foothold for further attacks within a network environment. Organizations using IrfanView for image processing tasks face significant risk, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted file content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9915 should include immediate patching of IrfanView to version 4.45 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the memory handling issues in the TOOLS plugin. Additionally, implementing strict file validation procedures, restricting user access to image processing applications, and deploying application whitelisting solutions can help reduce the attack surface. Network-based security controls such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file handling activities, while regular security assessments should verify that no instances of the vulnerable version remain in use. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for image processing tasks and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing workflows or legitimate use cases.