CVE-2024-6818 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
IrfanView PSP File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write 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 user-supplied data, which can result in a write 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-23217.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The CVE-2024-6818 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in IrfanView's handling of PSP (Portable Sample Format) image files, classified under CWE-787 as an out-of-bounds write condition. This vulnerability resides within the image parsing engine of IrfanView version 4.62 and earlier, where the software fails to properly validate the structure and size of PSP file headers and metadata. The flaw specifically manifests when the application attempts to parse malformed PSP files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for remote code execution. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application weaknesses to execute malicious code remotely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during PSP file processing, where IrfanView allocates memory buffers based on seemingly valid file header values without adequate verification of the actual data dimensions. When an attacker crafts a malicious PSP file with oversized or malformed header fields, the application's parsing logic writes data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption directly enables attackers to manipulate program execution flow, allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the IrfanView process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be delivered through web browsers or email attachments, requiring only user interaction to exploit. According to ATT&CK technique T1566, this vulnerability enables initial access through malicious file delivery, while the subsequent exploitation follows the pattern of T1059 for command execution within the target environment. The vulnerability affects users who frequently process image files or browse websites that may host malicious content, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently download and open compromised files. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6818 should prioritize immediate software updates to IrfanView version 4.63 or later, where the parsing logic has been corrected to include proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious PSP file content. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted file downloads and suspicious website visits, particularly when dealing with image files. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for anomalous memory access patterns or unexpected process behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-787 highlights the need for comprehensive input validation practices in all software applications that process external file formats, ensuring that buffer operations include proper boundary checks and error handling mechanisms to prevent similar issues in the future.