CVE-2017-15251 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-15251 was published on October 11, 2017, by MITRE. The vulnerability affects IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized code or disrupt services using a malicious .pdf file.

Understanding CVE-2017-15251

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in IrfanView that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.

What is CVE-2017-15251?

The vulnerability in IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 allows attackers to execute unauthorized code or disrupt services by using a carefully crafted .pdf file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15251

Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute unauthorized code or disrupt services by utilizing a malicious .pdf file.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15251

This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IrfanView version 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43 allows attackers to execute unauthorized code or disrupt services by using a carefully crafted .pdf file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: IrfanView
Affected Version: 4.44 (32bit) with PDF plugin version 4.43

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers using a carefully crafted .pdf file to execute unauthorized code or disrupt services.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-15251, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IrfanView to a patched version.
Avoid opening .pdf files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and plugins.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that IrfanView and its plugins are regularly updated to the latest patched versions to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.