CVE-2017-15749 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+0x00000000000348b9."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15749 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting IrfanView 4.50 64-bit when utilizing the CADImage plugin version 12.0.0.5. This issue stems from improper handling of malformed data within .dwg files, which are commonly used in computer-aided design applications. The vulnerability manifests when the application attempts to process a specially crafted .dwg file that contains data structures designed to trigger unexpected behavior in the CADIMAGE plugin component. The specific fault occurs at address CADIMAGE+0x0000000000000348b9 where the application's branch selection logic becomes compromised due to invalid input data from the faulting address. This flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and memory corruption issues that are frequently exploited in software exploitation frameworks. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how third-party plugins can introduce instability into otherwise stable applications, creating attack vectors that extend beyond the primary software scope.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious .dwg file that contains malformed data structures specifically designed to trigger the faulting address mentioned in the CVE description. When IrfanView processes this crafted file, the CADImage plugin attempts to parse the data and encounters unexpected values at the specified memory location. The faulting address controls branch selection logic which causes the application to follow incorrect execution paths leading to either application crash or potentially more severe consequences. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple file opening operations, making it accessible to attackers without requiring complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where input validation is insufficient to handle malformed data, allowing attackers to manipulate the control flow of the application. This aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-248, which covers unspecified other impacts in software systems. The flaw represents a significant gap in the application's security architecture and demonstrates the importance of robust input sanitization in multimedia processing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15749 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment and system configuration. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause IrfanView to crash or become unresponsive, effectively preventing users from accessing legitimate .dwg files and disrupting normal workflow operations. In environments where IrfanView is used for document review or image processing tasks, this could result in significant productivity losses and potential business disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open malicious files through email attachments or file sharing systems. Additionally, the unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest that under certain conditions, this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges, though this would require additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects a wide range of users who rely on IrfanView for image processing tasks and highlights the risks associated with plugin-based architectures that lack proper sandboxing and input validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under initial access and execution techniques, as it provides a method for attackers to gain foothold through malicious file delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15749 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of additional security controls. The most effective solution is to update IrfanView to a version that includes fixes for the CADImage plugin vulnerability, ensuring that the specific version mentioned in the CVE is no longer present in the system. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic processing of potentially malicious files, particularly those with .dwg extensions that may be processed by vulnerable plugins. Network-based security controls such as file type filtering and content inspection should be deployed to block suspicious .dwg files from entering the network environment. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted files, particularly those that may contain CAD data. System administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications to isolate potential exploitation attempts and limit the impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party plugins and regularly auditing software components for known security issues. Organizations should establish procedures for rapid patch deployment and maintain detailed inventories of all software components to quickly identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of plugin architectures and their potential impact on overall system security posture, as these components often represent significant attack surfaces that require careful monitoring and control.