CVE-2017-15748 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView 4.50 - 64bit with CADImage plugin version 12.0.0.5 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .dwg file, related to a "User Mode Write AV starting at CADIMAGE+0x000000000000613a."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
CVE-2017-15748 represents a critical vulnerability in IrfanView 4.50 64-bit when utilizing the CADImage plugin version 12.0.0.5, specifically targeting the handling of .dwg files through a user mode write access violation at CADIMAGE+0x000000000000613a. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, out-of-bounds read, and CWE-787, out-of-bounds write. The flaw manifests when the CADImage plugin processes maliciously crafted .dwg files that contain malformed data structures, leading to improper memory management during file parsing operations. The vulnerability occurs during the image rendering process where the plugin fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting to write data to memory locations, resulting in a write access violation that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to prepare a specially crafted .dwg file that triggers the buffer overflow condition within the CADImage plugin's memory management routines. When IrfanView loads such a file, the plugin attempts to parse the malformed data structure and writes beyond the allocated memory boundaries, causing the application to crash or potentially allowing code execution in the context of the vulnerable application. The specific memory address offset 0x000000000000613a indicates the precise location within the CADIMAGE module where the violation occurs, making this vulnerability highly exploitable for attackers who can craft appropriate malicious payloads. This vulnerability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the execution of system commands through the use of valid accounts, and T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15748 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the IrfanView process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects users who have the CADImage plugin installed and are likely to encounter .dwg files from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such files may be encountered during document processing or collaboration activities. Organizations using IrfanView for image processing, especially in environments where users may receive .dwg files from external sources, face significant risk from this vulnerability. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges beyond the ability to create or access malicious .dwg files, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15748 include immediate patching of the CADImage plugin to version 12.0.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the memory management issues. System administrators should disable or remove the CADImage plugin from IrfanView installations where it is not essential for operations, particularly in environments where .dwg file processing is not required. Network segmentation and file filtering mechanisms should be implemented to prevent the accidental execution of potentially malicious .dwg files through email attachments or file sharing systems. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying file integrity before processing. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, and organizations should implement comprehensive software supply chain security measures to prevent similar issues in the future. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated plugins and third-party components that may contain known vulnerabilities.