CVE-2017-15244 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2017-15244 was published on October 11, 2017, and relates to a vulnerability in IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 that could lead to denial of service or other unspecified consequences.

Understanding CVE-2017-15244

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in IrfanView software that could be exploited by attackers.

What is CVE-2017-15244?

The vulnerability in IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 allows attackers to trigger a denial of service or potentially cause other impacts by using a specially crafted .pdf file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15244

The presence of a malicious .pdf file can result in denial of service or other unspecified consequences due to an error code starting at wow64!Wow64NotifyDebugger+0x000000000000001d.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15244

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit IrfanView's PDF plugin, leading to denial of service or other potential impacts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: IrfanView
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using a specially crafted .pdf file to trigger the error code mentioned.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15244 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening untrusted .pdf files in IrfanView until a patch is available.
Consider using alternative PDF viewers temporarily.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update IrfanView and its plugins to the latest versions.
Implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent and detect malicious file executions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from IrfanView and apply patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.