CVE-2024-11523 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
IrfanView DXF File Parsing Memory Corruption 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 DXF files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a memory corruption condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-24597.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
This vulnerability resides within IrfanView's handling of DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the parsing process of these specific file formats, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted DXF content can trigger unintended behavior in the application's memory management. The issue manifests as a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption scenario where attacker-controlled data flows into memory regions without proper bounds checking or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns found in CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting languages or file parsing mechanisms. When IrfanView processes a malicious DXF file, the application fails to validate the structure and content of the file before attempting to parse and render its components. This lack of proper input validation creates opportunities for attackers to craft malformed DXF files that can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the application's security context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that allows attackers to operate with the same permissions as the IrfanView process. This means that if IrfanView is running with elevated privileges or has access to sensitive system resources, the exploited vulnerability could provide unauthorized access to critical system functions and data. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening malicious files aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for gaining access through user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks where users might encounter crafted content through legitimate browsing activities.
Security mitigations should focus on implementing proper bounds checking and input sanitization within the DXF parsing component of IrfanView. The fix requires comprehensive validation of all incoming data structures before processing, including checks for array bounds, string lengths, and numerical values that could cause memory corruption. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions while considering network segmentation to limit exposure through web browsing activities. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges when running IrfanView can significantly reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts, as outlined in cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-171 that emphasize the importance of input validation and privilege separation in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.
The vulnerability demonstrates how legacy file format parsers often contain outdated security practices that fail to account for modern exploitation techniques. This flaw exemplifies the broader challenge faced by software vendors maintaining compatibility with numerous file formats while ensuring robust security controls. The ZDI-CAN-24597 identifier indicates this vulnerability was recognized and tracked through the Zero Day Initiative's vulnerability disclosure program, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the importance of coordinated vulnerability management approaches that balance rapid response with thorough security validation.