CVE-2017-9921 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with TOOLS Plugin 4.50 might allow attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via a crafted file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at ntdll_77df0000!LdrpResGetMappingSize+0x00000000000003cc."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9921 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the TOOLS Plugin version 4.50, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited to achieve either denial of service or arbitrary code execution. This issue manifests through the processing of maliciously crafted files that trigger unexpected behavior in the application's handling of data from faulting addresses. The vulnerability specifically occurs within the ntdll.dll module at the address ntdll_77df0000!LdrpResGetMappingSize+0x00000000000003cc, indicating a direct link to Windows kernel-level memory management functions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflow conditions where attacker-controlled data influences program execution flow through branch selection mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages memory corruption patterns that occur during file parsing operations, particularly when IrfanView processes specially crafted input files through its plugin architecture. The faulting address reference points to a specific location within the Windows loader's memory mapping functions, suggesting that the vulnerability originates from improper handling of memory resources during dynamic library loading processes. This type of flaw typically arises when applications fail to properly validate input data before processing it in memory-sensitive contexts, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate execution paths through carefully constructed malicious input files. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-125, out-of-bounds read errors, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9921 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the affected user, potentially escalating to system-level access depending on the execution context. The vulnerability affects systems running IrfanView with the TOOLS Plugin, making it particularly concerning for environments where users might encounter untrusted file attachments or be诱导 into opening malicious files. The attack surface expands to include scenarios where users open files from email attachments, file sharing platforms, or web downloads, as these represent common vectors for delivering malicious payloads. The Windows operating system's loader functions make this particularly dangerous as exploitation can occur even when the application is running in a restricted environment, potentially bypassing some security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9921 should include immediate patching of IrfanView to version 4.45 or later, which contains fixes for the identified memory handling issues. Organizations should also implement strict file validation controls and restrict user access to potentially malicious file types through application whitelisting solutions. Network-level defenses should include content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms that can prevent automatic execution of potentially harmful files. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics that align with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access through malicious file delivery. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file processing patterns and memory access anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly when users interact with file types processed by IrfanView or its plugins. Regular security assessments should verify that all instances of IrfanView and its associated plugins are updated to versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the flaw represents a persistent risk to system integrity and user security.