CVE-2025-7241 in CADImage Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
IrfanView CADImage Plugin DWG File Parsing Memory Corruption Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of IrfanView CADImage Plugin. 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 DWG 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-26087.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2025-7241 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes DWG files, creating a remote code execution vector that poses significant risks to affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of Autodesk DWG file formats, which are commonly used in computer-aided design applications and are frequently encountered in professional and industrial environments. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the plugin's DWG file parsing routine, allowing maliciously crafted DWG files to trigger memory corruption conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only user interaction to be exploited, meaning that simply visiting a malicious webpage or opening a compromised DWG file can lead to full system compromise, making it highly relevant to both enterprise and individual security postures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The CADImage plugin fails to properly validate the structure and content of DWG files before processing them, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts through carefully crafted file structures. When the plugin attempts to parse malformed DWG data, it can overwrite memory regions or corrupt heap structures, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can leverage to execute malicious code within the context of the IrfanView process. This memory corruption scenario typically manifests through buffer overflows or improper memory management practices during file parsing operations, where the plugin's code does not adequately check array bounds or validate data structures before use, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7241 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass broader system compromise and potential lateral movement within networks. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain full control over affected systems, potentially establishing persistent backdoors, exfiltrating sensitive data, or using the compromised machine as a launching point for further attacks against network infrastructure. The vulnerability's accessibility through web-based attacks makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious DWG files through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. Given that IrfanView is widely used across various industries including architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, the potential attack surface is extensive, with numerous organizations likely to be affected by this vulnerability. The fact that the exploit requires user interaction means that social engineering campaigns targeting specific user groups or industries could be particularly effective in leveraging this vulnerability.
Security mitigations for CVE-2025-7241 should focus on immediate patching of the CADImage plugin, as well as implementing defensive measures such as restricting file type associations and implementing strict content filtering policies. Organizations should consider disabling the CADImage plugin entirely until patches are applied, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted DWG files. Network-based defenses should include monitoring for suspicious file downloads and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious DWG file content. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files and visiting suspicious websites remains crucial in preventing exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, indicates that this flaw could be used as part of broader attack chains, making comprehensive security measures essential. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for unusual process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected plugin versions and ensure proper remediation measures are in place.