CVE-2017-15745 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 "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at CADIMAGE+0x000000000002ca2e."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15745 affects IrfanView version 4.50 64-bit when used with the CADImage plugin version 12.0.0.5, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited to disrupt system operations or potentially execute arbitrary code. This issue stems from improper handling of malformed data within AutoCAD Drawing (dwg) files, which are commonly used in engineering and architectural design applications. The vulnerability manifests when the CADImage plugin processes specially crafted dwg files that contain malformed data structures at specific memory addresses, creating a fault condition that impacts program execution flow. The affected memory address range CADIMAGE+0x00000000000002ca2e indicates a precise location within the plugin's memory space where the buffer overflow or memory corruption occurs, allowing attackers to manipulate program control flow through data from the faulting address that controls branch selection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where the CADImage plugin fails to properly validate input data from dwg files before processing them. When an attacker supplies a malicious dwg file containing crafted data at the specific memory offset mentioned in the vulnerability description, the plugin's parsing routine encounters unexpected data patterns that cause memory corruption. This corruption specifically affects branch selection mechanisms within the program's execution flow, allowing an attacker to potentially redirect program execution to arbitrary memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management flaws and control flow hijacking techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to denial of service conditions or more severe outcomes including remote code execution. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15745 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who can convince a user to open a malicious dwg file through IrfanView with the vulnerable CADImage plugin could gain unauthorized control over the target system. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also potentially impacts the entire system stability due to the nature of memory corruption occurring at the plugin level. In enterprise environments where IrfanView is used for document review or image processing, this vulnerability represents a significant risk as it could be exploited through social engineering attacks targeting users who regularly handle engineering drawings. The attack surface is particularly concerning because dwg files are commonly shared in professional environments, making the exploitation vector highly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15745 should focus on immediate patching of the affected software components and implementation of defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to IrfanView versions that have addressed this vulnerability, specifically ensuring that the CADImage plugin is updated to a version that properly validates input data and implements proper bounds checking. System administrators should consider implementing file type restrictions for dwg files in environments where they are not required for legitimate business operations, and deploy application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted dwg files. Network-based defenses should include content filtering mechanisms that can identify and block suspicious dwg files, particularly those with known malicious patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in plugin architectures, suggesting that organizations should review their software supply chains for similar issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1203 (Exploitation for Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through legitimate software components. The remediation approach should include comprehensive security testing of third-party plugins and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other software components that may be vulnerable to similar attack vectors.