CVE-2025-7243 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-26091.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2025-7243 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 environments. The flaw manifests when the plugin parses maliciously crafted DWG files, enabling attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that leads to memory corruption. The attack requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a compromised DWG file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently handle design documents from external sources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the CADImage Plugin's DWG file parser, where user-supplied data elements are not properly sanitized or checked for malicious content before processing. When the plugin encounters a malformed DWG file structure, the parsing logic fails to validate array bounds or memory allocation parameters, leading to buffer overflows that can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be strategically manipulated to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the IrfanView process context. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers can deliver malicious DWG files through various vectors including web downloads, email attachments, or file sharing platforms, without requiring local system access. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a DWG file with specifically designed malicious structures that trigger the buffer overflow when processed by the vulnerable plugin, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when attackers leverage additional attack techniques such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments. Organizations that rely heavily on CAD software or handle numerous design files from external sources face heightened risk, particularly in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing where DWG files are standard. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when users inadvertently open malicious files. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to bypass modern security mitigations such as ASLR and DEP, potentially allowing attackers to achieve persistent access to affected systems. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where IrfanView may be used by multiple users or integrated into automated document processing workflows, as a single compromised file can potentially affect entire organizations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the CADImage Plugin until a security update is applied, or restricting file type handling to prevent automatic processing of DWG files. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters, as attackers may use the executed code to establish further footholds. System administrators should monitor for unusual file processing activities or network connections originating from IrfanView processes, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls or content filtering systems can help block access to known malicious DWG files. Regular security assessments should verify that all IrfanView installations are updated to versions that address this vulnerability, with particular attention to organizations that handle sensitive design data or operate in regulated industries where compliance with security standards is mandatory. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in plugin architectures, highlighting that third-party components can introduce significant security risks when not properly secured against malformed input data.