CVE-2019-9136 in DaviewIndy
Summary
by MITRE
DaviewIndy 8.98.7 and earlier versions have a Heap-based overflow vulnerability, triggered when the user opens a malformed JPEG2000 format file that is mishandled by Daview.exe. Attackers could exploit this and arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9136 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within DaviewIndy version 8.98.7 and earlier releases. This issue manifests when the application processes malformed JPEG2000 format files through the Daview.exe executable, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the image parsing routine that handles JPEG2000 file structures. The heap-based overflow occurs because the application fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations when processing corrupted or malformed JPEG2000 data streams, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow conditions as defined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. When a user opens a specially crafted JPEG2000 file, the Daview.exe process attempts to parse the file structure without sufficient validation of the data boundaries. This processing failure allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout by injecting malicious code into the heap memory space, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it susceptible to automated exploitation through social engineering or drive-by download attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9136 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could execute malicious payloads that establish persistence mechanisms, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components. The vulnerability affects systems running DaviewIndy software, which is commonly used for image viewing and processing in professional environments, making it a target for adversaries seeking to compromise office environments or specialized imaging workflows. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that JPEG2000 format files are commonly encountered in legitimate business processes, reducing the likelihood of detection during exploitation phases.
Security mitigations for CVE-2019-9136 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from the vendor, as this represents a critical vulnerability requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running DaviewIndy software and establish file validation procedures for incoming image files. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of untrusted JPEG2000 files. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling JPEG2000 file handling capabilities within DaviewIndy until proper patches are deployed. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1547.001 for privilege escalation, representing the primary attack vectors available to threat actors exploiting this flaw. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other applications using similar image parsing libraries that may be susceptible to analogous heap overflow conditions.