CVE-2021-29363 : Security Advisory and Response

A buffer overflow vulnerability in FORMATS!ReadRAS_W+0xa74 of Irfanview 4.57 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RLE file.

Understanding CVE-2021-29363

This CVE identifies a buffer overflow vulnerability in Irfanview 4.57 that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating a specially crafted RLE file.

What is CVE-2021-29363?

The vulnerability is located in FORMATS!ReadRAS_W+0xa74 of Irfanview 4.57, enabling threat actors to trigger a buffer overflow by using a malicious RLE file. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary code on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29363

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized remote code execution, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29363

The technical aspects of CVE-2021-29363 are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

A buffer overflow occurs in FORMATS!ReadRAS_W+0xa74 of Irfanview 4.57 due to improper handling of RLE files, allowing malicious actors to overwrite memory and execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Irfanview 4.57 is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability. Other versions or products may also be impacted, leading to potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By creating a specially crafted RLE file, attackers can exploit the buffer overflow in FORMATS!ReadRAS_W+0xa74 to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user or system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-29363, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches and updates provided by Irfanview to fix the vulnerability.
Avoid opening RLE files from untrusted or unknown sources to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep software and systems up to date with the latest security patches and versions.
Implement security best practices such as least privilege access and network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from Irfanview and promptly install recommended patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.