CVE-2017-9923 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 KERNELBASE!EnumResourceTypesInternal+0x0000000000000589."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9923 affects IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) when used with 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 improper handling of crafted files that trigger a fault in the application's resource enumeration process, specifically within the KERNELBASE!EnumResourceTypesInternal function. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the plugin's file processing routines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption issues. The attack vector involves feeding a specially crafted file to the vulnerable application, which then processes this file through the TOOLS plugin's resource enumeration functionality. This particular code path within KERNELBASE demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability where faulting address data directly influences branch selection, effectively allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a pattern consistent with control flow hijacking attacks, where the attacker manipulates memory structures to redirect program execution. The specific location at KERNELBASE!EnumResourceTypesInternal+0x0000000000000589 represents a critical point in the Windows kernel's resource enumeration process where faulty address data can influence conditional branch decisions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw operates through a combination of improper input validation and memory management errors that allow attackers to overwrite critical program structures. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it can potentially enable arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted files. The attack requires minimal privileges since it exploits a flaw within the application's own processing logic rather than requiring system-level access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations that rely on IrfanView for image processing tasks, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted or malicious files. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to properly handle malformed files during resource enumeration, which can occur during normal file opening operations or when processing files with embedded resource data. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting files that contain specially designed resource structures that trigger the faulting address behavior, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in the TOOLS plugin indicates that third-party extensions can introduce critical security risks that may not be adequately tested for security flaws. This particular vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services through resource enumeration and manipulation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9923 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing defensive measures such as restricting file type handling and implementing strict input validation. Organizations should consider disabling the TOOLS plugin entirely if it is not essential for operations, or ensure that it is updated to a version that addresses the vulnerability. Network-based mitigations could include implementing file scanning and validation before processing potentially malicious files, while host-based protections should focus on monitoring for unusual resource enumeration patterns and implementing application whitelisting where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough security testing for plugin architectures and the need for robust input validation across all application components. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in third-party components, and organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, user education regarding safe file handling practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial for preventing successful exploitation attempts.