CVE-2017-15751 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView 4.50 - 64bit with BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3 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 BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x0000000000009f39."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15751 represents a critical denial of service condition affecting IrfanView version 4.50 64-bit when utilizing the BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3. This issue stems from a read access violation that occurs during the processing of maliciously crafted .dwg files, which are commonly used in computer-aided design applications. The vulnerability manifests specifically at the address BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x0000000000009f39, indicating a memory access violation within the plugin's configuration display routine. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where the application attempts to read from an invalid memory location, potentially leading to application crash or system instability. This vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a significant security concern for users who process untrusted design files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious .dwg file that triggers the specific memory access violation within the BabaCAD4Image plugin. When IrfanView processes such a file, the plugin attempts to display its configuration options, but encounters a corrupted memory reference that causes the application to terminate unexpectedly. The read access violation occurs because the plugin fails to properly validate input data from the .dwg file before attempting to access memory addresses. This type of vulnerability represents a serious weakness in input validation and memory management practices, allowing attackers to potentially disrupt normal application functionality or, in more sophisticated scenarios, execute arbitrary code through advanced exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15751 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more severe attacks within environments where IrfanView is used to process design files. Organizations relying on IrfanView for document review, image processing, or design file handling may face service disruption when encountering malicious files, particularly in environments where automated processing or batch operations are common. The vulnerability affects users who process CAD files from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments or when receiving design files from external partners. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain system access or disrupt services. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that .dwg files are commonly shared in business environments, making this attack vector particularly effective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15751 should prioritize immediate plugin updates or removal, as the vulnerability exists within a third-party component that has been addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement strict file validation procedures for .dwg files, particularly those received from external sources, and consider implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate potentially malicious files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated plugin ecosystems and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation and access controls. Organizations should also consider deploying automated threat detection systems that can identify suspicious file patterns before they are processed by vulnerable applications. Additionally, regular security assessments should include evaluation of plugin components and third-party integrations to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the application stack.