CVE-2024-5876 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
IrfanView PSP File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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 PSP files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-23973.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5876 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in IrfanView's handling of PSP (Portable Sample Format) files, constituting a significant security risk for affected systems. This flaw resides in the software's file parsing mechanism where insufficient input validation occurs during the processing of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged remotely. The vulnerability specifically impacts IrfanView installations where PSP files are processed, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of this image viewing application across various computing environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the PSP file parser, where the application fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a heap-based buffer structure. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when user-provided data exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's classification as a heap-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on heap-allocated memory regions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PSP files that contain oversized data payloads, triggering the buffer overflow when the application attempts to parse these files.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5876 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This remote code execution capability requires user interaction to be effective, meaning that targets must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the exploit or open a crafted malicious PSP file. The requirement for user interaction limits the automatic exploitation potential but does not eliminate the severity of the vulnerability, particularly in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources or visit compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification under the ZDI-CAN-23973 identifier indicates it was responsibly disclosed through the Zero Day Initiative's vulnerability coordination program, highlighting the recognized threat level within the cybersecurity community.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected IrfanView installations to address the underlying buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files, particularly those with PSP extensions, while also monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Network-based defenses can include implementing web application firewalls that block access to known malicious domains hosting exploit content, and deploying endpoint protection solutions with behavioral monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous file processing activities. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through social engineering campaigns targeting users who may inadvertently open malicious files, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security awareness training alongside technical controls. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of IrfanView or similar image viewers to trusted environments only, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.