CVE-2025-7248 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-26098.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The CVE-2025-7248 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes DWG files, exposing systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the parsing mechanism of AutoCAD Drawing files, which are widely used in engineering and architectural applications. The flaw manifests when the plugin processes malformed DWG file structures without adequate input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web pages or file attachments without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with external content.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on user-supplied data. The CADImage plugin fails to properly validate the structure and content of DWG files, allowing attackers to craft malicious file formats that trigger memory corruption during parsing operations. When the plugin attempts to parse these malformed files, it manipulates memory pointers and buffer allocations in ways that can be controlled by the attacker, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when plugins or add-ons fail to implement proper input sanitization and boundary checking mechanisms, which are fundamental security practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue places it within the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique category, specifically targeting software exploitation through memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7248 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access within affected networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads such as ransomware or information theft tools. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening malicious files means that this vulnerability is particularly effective in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks against organizations that use IrfanView for document viewing. Security teams must consider that the vulnerability affects not just individual user systems but can potentially serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration, especially in environments where IrfanView is widely deployed across multiple systems. The vulnerability's presence in the CADImage plugin specifically indicates that it impacts engineering and design environments where DWG files are commonly shared and viewed, making it particularly relevant in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and architectural firms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7248 should prioritize immediate patching of the IrfanView CADImage Plugin to address the memory corruption vulnerability. Organizations must implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious DWG files and suspicious web content. Security policies should emphasize user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted files and visiting suspicious websites, as the vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit effectively. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting user permissions and restricting file execution capabilities, particularly for applications that process CAD files. Additionally, regular security assessments should include scanning for vulnerable plugin versions and implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining detailed monitoring of file access patterns and system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive incident response planning and regular security awareness training to minimize potential damage from successful attacks.