CVE-2017-15738 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView 4.50 - 64bit with CADImage plugin version 12.0.0.5 allows attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .dwg file, related to a "Read Access Violation starting at CADIMAGE+0x00000000003d22d8."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15738 affects IrfanView version 4.50 64-bit when utilizing the CADImage plugin version 12.0.0.5, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited to execute denial of service attacks or potentially cause unspecified additional impacts. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the CADImage plugin's handling of .dwg files, which are commonly used in computer-aided design applications. The flaw manifests as a read access violation occurring at a specific memory address within the CADIMAGE module, indicating a memory management issue that can be triggered through maliciously crafted input files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the category of memory corruption issues, specifically manifesting as a read access violation that occurs during the processing of structured data files. The memory address 0x00000000003d22d8 within the CADIMAGE module represents a critical point where the application fails to properly validate or handle memory access operations when parsing the malicious .dwg file. This type of vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and potentially CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" depending on the specific execution path taken during exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer over-read conditions where the application attempts to read data from memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. When a user opens a crafted .dwg file through IrfanView with the vulnerable CADImage plugin, the application crashes or becomes unresponsive, effectively preventing legitimate use of the software. The vulnerability affects any system running the specified version of IrfanView with the CADImage plugin, making it particularly concerning for environments where users may encounter untrusted design files. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability in targeted attacks against specific users or in broader campaigns where they distribute malicious .dwg files through various channels, including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or compromised websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor. Users should upgrade to the latest version of IrfanView that includes a patched version of the CADImage plugin or disable the plugin entirely if it is not essential for their workflow. System administrators should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms when processing potentially malicious files. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059: "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as it represents a client-side exploitation vector that can lead to system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious file transfers containing known malicious patterns. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.