CVE-2024-11506 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
IrfanView DWG File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Read Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of IrfanView. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of DWG files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read before the start of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22169.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The CVE-2024-11506 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw in IrfanView's handling of DWG files, classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" within the context of buffer overflow conditions. This vulnerability resides in the software's file parsing engine specifically designed to process AutoCAD Drawing Database files, which are commonly used in engineering and architectural applications. The flaw manifests when IrfanView attempts to parse malformed DWG files without adequate input validation, creating a scenario where the application reads memory locations before the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling code execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through either opening a malicious DWG file or visiting a web page that automatically triggers the file parsing process. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 "Exploitation for Client Execution" and demonstrates how file format vulnerabilities can be leveraged for remote code execution. The root cause stems from insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of DWG file structures, particularly in how the software handles variable-length data fields and object references within the file format. When processing malformed DWG content, the application fails to validate the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to read it into memory, creating an exploitable condition that can be manipulated by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise the entire system through privilege escalation or data exfiltration. Since IrfanView typically runs with the privileges of the current user, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the user's security context, potentially leading to further system compromise. The vulnerability affects versions of IrfanView that support DWG file format processing, making it particularly concerning for organizations that frequently handle engineering drawings or use IrfanView for document review processes. Attackers could craft malicious DWG files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would trigger the out-of-bounds read condition and provide a code execution payload.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application from IrfanView's official sources, as this vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement defensive measures including restricting user access to potentially malicious file types, deploying application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent users from accessing malicious DWG files through web interfaces. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive network segmentation and privilege management to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted files should be implemented as part of a layered defense strategy against similar file format vulnerabilities that may exist in other image processing applications.