CVE-2024-11566 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
IrfanView DXF 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 DXF files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-24868.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2026
This vulnerability resides in IrfanView's handling of DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that enables remote code execution. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted DXF files without adequate input validation, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. The vulnerability specifically affects the buffer management during file parsing operations, where insufficient bounds checking permits reading beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and can be categorized as a memory safety issue within the software's input processing pipeline. The attack vector requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage that loads the vulnerable file or directly opening the malicious DXF file, making it a client-side exploitation scenario.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation mechanisms within IrfanView's DXF parser component. When processing DXF file structures, the application fails to verify array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious input that triggers memory corruption. The out-of-bounds read occurs during the parsing of specific DXF entities where the software assumes certain data structures will contain expected values, but instead encounters crafted data that causes memory access violations. This particular vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain code execution, and represents a classic buffer overflow precursor that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious DXF files through web-based delivery mechanisms or file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation allows attackers to operate within the security context of the IrfanView process. This means that any privileges the user has when running IrfanView are effectively inherited by the attacker, potentially enabling access to sensitive system resources, file system operations, or network communications. The vulnerability affects all versions of IrfanView that support DXF file processing, creating a wide attack surface across various deployment environments including personal computers, corporate workstations, and potentially mobile devices where IrfanView is installed. The memory corruption resulting from this out-of-bounds read can lead to unpredictable application behavior, system crashes, or more sinister exploitation techniques such as return-oriented programming or stack pivoting to achieve full code execution. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue places it in the highest severity category, as it does not require local system access and can be exploited through network-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from the vendor, as well as implementing defensive measures to prevent unauthorized file processing. Organizations should consider deploying file type restrictions that prevent automatic opening of DXF files, implementing sandboxing techniques for file processing applications, and establishing network-based filtering to block known malicious file types. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, which makes user education and awareness programs valuable defensive measures, particularly in environments where users may encounter suspicious files through email attachments or web downloads. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls can limit the damage potential if exploitation occurs, while network segmentation can prevent lateral movement if attackers successfully compromise systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should specifically target file processing applications to identify similar buffer management issues that could present analogous security risks.