CVE-2023-24304 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2023
Improper input validation in the PDF.dll plugin of IrfanView v4.60 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via opening a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-24304 represents a critical security flaw in IrfanView version 4.60's PDF.dll plugin that demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue. This vulnerability exists within the handling of PDF file structures and specifically affects the plugin's ability to properly validate and sanitize input data before processing. The flaw allows malicious actors to craft specially designed PDF files that, when opened with the vulnerable IrfanView version, trigger arbitrary code execution on the target system. This represents a significant risk as it leverages the common practice of users opening various file types, including PDF documents, with image viewers that support multiple formats.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data within the PDF processing pipeline. When the PDF.dll plugin processes a malformed PDF file, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of the document, allowing crafted malicious elements to bypass normal processing safeguards. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the plugin level, meaning that even if the main IrfanView application is secure, the PDF plugin component introduces a critical attack surface. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes within the context of the user running IrfanView, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for users who frequently handle PDF documents, particularly in enterprise environments where IrfanView might be used for document review or image processing tasks. The attack vector is relatively simple as it only requires the victim to open a malicious PDF file with the vulnerable software, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when users receive compromised documents through legitimate channels. The arbitrary code execution capability means that attackers could potentially install malware, steal credentials, or perform other malicious activities without requiring additional attack vectors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1204.002, which involves user execution of malicious files, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-24304 should focus on immediate patching of the IrfanView software to the latest version that addresses this specific vulnerability. Users should avoid opening PDF files from untrusted sources and implement additional security measures such as sandboxing when processing potentially malicious documents. Organizations should consider disabling the PDF plugin entirely if PDF processing is not required, or implement strict file validation policies that scan PDF files before opening them with IrfanView. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious PDF file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening unknown PDF files and the importance of keeping their software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in plugin architectures and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components integrated into applications.