CVE-2025-7256 in CADImage Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
IrfanView CADImage Plugin DXF 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 DXF 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-26119.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The CVE-2025-7256 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that specifically affects the parsing of DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files. This vulnerability resides within the CADImage plugin component of IrfanView, a widely used image viewer and editor that supports numerous file formats including CAD drawings. The flaw manifests when the plugin processes maliciously crafted DXF files, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited by attackers who can convince victims to open or view these specially crafted files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the currently running process, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This represents a significant security risk for organizations that rely on IrfanView for document viewing or CAD file handling operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the DXF file parsing logic of the CADImage plugin. When the plugin encounters a malformed or malicious DXF file, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of the file before processing it, leading to memory corruption conditions. This type of flaw typically occurs when the plugin does not implement proper bounds checking, buffer overflow protection, or data sanitization mechanisms for user-supplied input. The vulnerability follows patterns commonly associated with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The memory corruption can manifest through various mechanisms including stack overflows, heap corruption, or use-after-free conditions, all of which can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw because attackers can deliver malicious DXF files through web pages, email attachments, or file sharing systems without requiring local access to the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads within the victim's environment. Attackers can craft malicious DXF files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, will trigger the memory corruption and allow remote code execution. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through multiple channels including email phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or file sharing platforms where users might inadvertently open malicious CAD files. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where IrfanView is commonly used for document viewing, as it can be exploited to compromise entire networks through lateral movement. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1566 for spearphishing attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks targeting multiple organizations simultaneously.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of IrfanView and the CADImage plugin, disabling the CADImage plugin if CAD file viewing is not essential, and implementing network-based controls to block suspicious DXF file downloads. Security teams should also deploy endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior associated with memory corruption exploits and monitor for unusual file processing activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in file processing libraries, as well as the need for regular security updates and patch management processes. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the risks of opening untrusted files, particularly those from unknown sources or that appear suspicious. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of potentially vulnerable plugins or applications, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other image processing and document viewing applications that may be similarly affected by memory corruption vulnerabilities.