CVE-2025-7244 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-26093.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2025-7244 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes DWG files, presenting a significant remote code execution risk for affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of computer-aided design file formats, which are commonly used in engineering and architectural applications. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the DWG file parsing routine, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the plugin's memory structures through carefully crafted file content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that targets must either open a malicious DWG file or visit a webpage containing such content, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios where users might encounter compromised files through email attachments or web downloads.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing process when the plugin fails to properly validate the structure and content of incoming DWG files before processing them. This inadequate validation allows attackers to craft malicious file sequences that overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the IrfanView process context. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that IrfanView is widely used across various industries, including engineering firms, architectural offices, and government agencies, making the attack surface extensive and potentially affecting critical infrastructure operations. The flaw operates at the intersection of software security and file format parsing, where the complexity of DWG file structures creates numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations that rely on IrfanView for document processing, particularly in environments where users frequently handle external files from untrusted sources. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially enabling data exfiltration, lateral movement, or establishment of persistent backdoors within network environments. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework would likely map to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and potentially T1566 for spearphishing campaigns, as attackers would need to deliver malicious DWG files to target victims. Organizations using IrfanView CADImage Plugin are particularly vulnerable since the plugin automatically processes files without user confirmation, and the exploitation can occur without any specialized knowledge of the target system beyond basic social engineering techniques. The risk is compounded by the fact that many users may not be aware of the plugin's existence or the potential security implications of processing CAD files from untrusted sources.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including disabling the CADImage Plugin until a patched version is available, implementing strict file validation policies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file transfers. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of IrfanView in environments where CAD files are commonly encountered. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying vendor patches as soon as they become available, conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all systems using the affected plugin, and establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding opening files from unknown or untrusted origins, particularly in environments where engineering and architectural documents are frequently exchanged. Regular security audits should also include verification of plugin configurations and removal of unnecessary components to minimize attack surface exposure.