CVE-2024-6822 in IrfanView
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
IrfanView CIN 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 CIN 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-23261.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The CVE-2024-6822 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in IrfanView's handling of CIN image files, constituting a remote code execution vulnerability that poses significant security risks to affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the image parsing functionality of IrfanView, specifically targeting the CIN file format processing module. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data during CIN file parsing operations, creating a condition where memory access violations can occur. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow issue that allows attackers to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests as an out-of-bounds write in heap memory operations. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that exploitation occurs when victims open malicious CIN files or visit compromised web pages that trigger the vulnerable parsing code path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within IrfanView's CIN file parser, which does not adequately sanitize or verify the structure and size of incoming file data. When processing maliciously crafted CIN files, the application's memory management routines fail to check array bounds before writing data to memory locations, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of CIN file structures that trigger the buffer overflow condition, typically involving oversized or malformed data fields that exceed expected buffer dimensions. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that IrfanView is widely used image viewing software, making it a common target for social engineering attacks and drive-by download scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6822 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. This vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process, potentially allowing privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks or file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may encounter compromised content. Organizations using IrfanView are at risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software increases the attack surface significantly, as it can be exploited across various operating systems and deployment scenarios without requiring specialized knowledge of the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6822 should focus on immediate software updates and defensive measures to reduce exploitation risks. The primary remediation involves applying patches from IrfanView vendors that address the buffer overflow condition in CIN file parsing routines, which should be prioritized for deployment across all affected systems. Network-level defenses can include implementing file type restrictions and content filtering for CIN files, particularly in enterprise environments where automated scanning and quarantine of suspicious files can prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling CIN file support in applications where it is not required, and implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable software. Additionally, user education about avoiding untrusted file sources and implementing security awareness training can help reduce successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through compromised processes. Organizations should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections or process execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.