CVE-2017-9922 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!LdrpCompareResourceNames_U+0x0000000000000062."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9922 affects IrfanView version 4.44 when used with the TOOLS Plugin version 4.50, presenting a critical security risk that can lead to either denial of service or arbitrary code execution. This flaw manifests through the processing of maliciously crafted files that exploit a specific condition in the application's handling of data from faulting addresses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it originates from the ntdll.dll module within the Windows operating system, specifically at the LdrpCompareResourceNames_U function where branch selection is controlled by data from a faulting address. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of an exploitable memory corruption issue that can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper input validation within IrfanView's image processing pipeline when handling certain file formats. When the application encounters a crafted file, it attempts to process resource names using the LdrpCompareResourceNames_U function, which then uses data derived from a faulting address to determine branch selection behavior. This creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can influence the program flow, potentially leading to execution of arbitrary code or system instability. The vulnerability specifically targets the 32-bit version of IrfanView, indicating that the architecture-specific memory management characteristics contribute to the exploitability of this flaw. The faulting address mechanism referenced in the CVE description points to a fundamental issue in how the application handles resource name comparisons during file loading operations, which can be manipulated to redirect execution flow.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IrfanView for image processing tasks. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain complete system control through simple file delivery mechanisms such as email attachments or malicious websites. The denial of service aspect further compounds the risk, as it can be used to disrupt legitimate business operations by making the application unavailable to authorized users. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IrfanView might be used for processing documents, images, or other file types from untrusted sources. The exploitability of this issue is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges to trigger, making it accessible to attackers with minimal access rights. Security analysts categorize this vulnerability under the CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write classifications, as it involves memory corruption that can result in both read and write operations beyond intended boundaries.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the vendor-provided patches or updates to IrfanView and the TOOLS Plugin. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted files through IrfanView, particularly in environments where the application processes files from external sources. Network-based mitigations such as content filtering and email scanning should be enhanced to detect and block potentially malicious files that could exploit this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it represents an attack vector that leverages client-side applications to execute malicious code. Additionally, defensive measures should include monitoring for unusual file processing activities and implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate image processing operations. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training for users to recognize potentially malicious file attachments and understand the risks associated with processing untrusted image files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in preventing exploitation of similar flaws in image processing applications, which are commonly targeted due to their widespread use and the complex nature of image file formats.