CVE-2025-7250 in CADImage Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
IrfanView CADImage Plugin DWG File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Read 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 read 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-26107.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-7250 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes DWG files, creating a remote code execution risk for affected systems. This weakness specifically manifests during the parsing of Computer Aided Design file formats, where the plugin fails to properly validate input data structures, leading to memory access violations that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in the CADImage plugin component of IrfanView, which is commonly used for viewing CAD drawings and technical diagrams, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise systems that handle such file types. The flaw is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which occurs when a program attempts to access memory beyond the boundaries of a buffer that has been allocated for data storage. This particular vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous intersection of file format parsing and memory safety, where improper input validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that exploitation typically occurs when an unsuspecting user visits a malicious webpage or opens a specially crafted malicious DWG file, making social engineering a critical component of successful attacks. This vulnerability has been assigned the ZDI-CAN-26107 identifier by the Zero Day Initiative, indicating its recognition within the cybersecurity community as a significant threat requiring immediate attention from affected organizations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of DWG file structures, particularly in how the CADImage plugin handles variable-length data fields within the file format. When parsing DWG files, the plugin reads data from memory locations without adequate verification of array bounds or buffer limits, allowing attackers to craft malicious files that trigger memory access violations. This out-of-bounds read condition can result in the program reading adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing sensitive data or allowing attackers to manipulate program state to redirect execution flow. The flaw specifically affects the buffer management routines within the plugin's DWG parsing code, where the software assumes certain data structures will contain predictable amounts of information without validating the actual size or content of user-supplied data. The vulnerability can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current process, meaning that successful exploitation allows attackers to run malicious code with the privileges of the IrfanView application, which could include full system access depending on how the application is configured and executed. The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious DWG file that, when processed by the vulnerable plugin, triggers the out-of-bounds read condition and subsequently leads to code execution through memory corruption techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7250 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities for threat actors. Organizations that utilize IrfanView for viewing CAD drawings, technical documentation, or engineering files face significant risk, particularly in environments where users regularly open files from untrusted sources or web-based content. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction limits its automated exploitation potential but does not eliminate the risk, as users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to compromised systems, deploy additional malware payloads, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further network infiltration. The impact is particularly concerning in industrial control systems, engineering firms, or organizations handling sensitive technical documentation, where the compromise of a single system could affect critical infrastructure or intellectual property. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, which describes how attackers use vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems, and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, which covers the execution of code through various interpreter mechanisms. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1566 - Phishing, as it requires user interaction to exploit, making social engineering a critical factor in successful attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7250 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IrfanView installations, as the vulnerability represents a critical security risk that can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect attempts to access or distribute malicious DWG files, particularly in environments where such files are commonly encountered. The use of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection by restricting the execution of untrusted files or limiting the privileges of the IrfanView application. Security teams should also consider disabling the CADImage plugin entirely if the functionality is not essential for daily operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Regular security assessments of file handling processes and user education programs can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering or accidental file opening. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file access patterns, particularly when dealing with CAD files or engineering documentation, and implement strict access controls for systems that process such files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for plugins and add-ons that process external file formats, and underscores the need for regular security audits of third-party components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to identify potential exploitation attempts.