CVE-2017-15763 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE
IrfanView 4.50 - 64bit with BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .dwg file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls subsequent Write Address starting at BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x000000000001eca0."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15763 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in IrfanView 4.50 64-bit when processing specially crafted .dwg files through the BabaCAD4Image plugin version 1.3. This flaw resides within the plugin's handling of file format parsing, specifically at the address BabaCAD4Image!ShowPlugInOptions+0x000000000001eca0, where data from a faulting address directly controls subsequent write operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the plugin's code execution path, creating a scenario where maliciously constructed .dwg files can trigger memory corruption. The attack vector exploits the plugin's failure to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. This vulnerability affects the broader IrfanView ecosystem and demonstrates how third-party plugins can introduce critical security risks into well-established applications. The issue is particularly concerning as it allows for privilege escalation and remote code execution, making it a significant concern for users who process untrusted graphic files. The flaw operates at the intersection of software security and file format parsing, where improper handling of structured data can lead to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in memory management where data written beyond allocated buffer boundaries can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised application. The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially allow full system compromise, as the heap corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program pointers or execute malicious payloads. Attackers can construct .dwg files that trigger the overflow during file parsing, causing the application to write data beyond intended memory boundaries. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior, including application crashes, data corruption, or more severely, code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as simply opening a malicious .dwg file within IrfanView can trigger the flaw. The attack surface is further expanded by the plugin architecture, which allows third-party components to introduce security gaps into the main application. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates or removal, as well as implementing strict file validation policies. Organizations should consider sandboxing applications that process graphic files, and network administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications that handle external data formats. Regular security assessments of plugin architectures and third-party components are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-15763 demonstrates how seemingly innocuous file format parsing can become a critical security weakness when proper bounds checking is absent. The vulnerability's location within the BabaCAD4Image plugin's ShowPlugInOptions function indicates a specific code path that fails to validate the length of data being processed from .dwg files. This particular memory access pattern creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can influence the program's memory layout, potentially leading to code execution through return-oriented programming or other exploitation techniques. The 64-bit architecture of IrfanView 4.50 adds complexity to the exploitation process, as the memory layout and addressing mechanisms differ from 32-bit systems, requiring more sophisticated exploitation methods. The vulnerability's classification as a heap-based buffer overflow aligns with common exploitation patterns where attackers can manipulate heap metadata to achieve arbitrary code execution. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability often requires precise exploitation techniques to overcome modern security mitigations such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential persistence mechanisms, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to install backdoors or maintain access to compromised systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies, particularly for applications that rely on third-party plugins for extended functionality. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the security risks inherent in plugin architectures and the need for rigorous security testing of all components within software ecosystems. Prevention measures should include regular security audits, implementation of secure coding standards, and careful evaluation of third-party software integration points. The technical complexity of this vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices in software development, particularly for applications that process untrusted external data sources.