CVE-2025-7258 in CADImage Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
IrfanView CADImage Plugin DWG File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write 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 write 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-26127.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2025
The CVE-2025-7258 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes DWG files, creating a remote code execution vector that directly impacts the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of CAD drawing files, specifically during the parsing of DWG format structures that are commonly used in engineering and architectural applications. The flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate the boundaries of user-supplied data within the DWG file structure, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a widely used image viewing application that often processes files from untrusted sources, making it a prime target for exploitation in real-world scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the CADImage plugin's DWG file parser. When processing maliciously crafted DWG files, the plugin attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, which can overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially corrupt critical program structures. This memory corruption typically occurs during the parsing of specific DWG file elements such as entity data, header sections, or geometric structures that contain embedded metadata. The lack of proper bounds checking allows attackers to craft DWG files that trigger the buffer overflow condition, which can then be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification under the ZDI-CAN-26127 identifier indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant security concern requiring immediate attention.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7258 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through web-based delivery methods where users visit malicious websites hosting compromised DWG files, or through direct file delivery mechanisms such as email attachments or file sharing platforms. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability less automated than fully zero-click exploits but still highly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code within the context of the IrfanView process, potentially enabling privilege escalation if the application runs with elevated permissions. This vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1566 for phishing, since it relies on social engineering to deliver malicious DWG files to unsuspecting users. The attack surface is particularly broad given that IrfanView is used across various industries including architecture, engineering, and construction where DWG files are frequently exchanged.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7258 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to protect against exploitation attempts. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security updates that address the buffer overflow condition within the CADImage plugin, as these patches typically include proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as file type filtering and content inspection to prevent malicious DWG files from reaching end users, particularly in environments where IrfanView is used for processing external content. Additionally, security awareness training should be reinforced to help users recognize potentially malicious file attachments or web content that may contain compromised DWG files. The implementation of principle of least privilege for IrfanView installations can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security monitoring should be deployed to detect unusual file processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling the CADImage plugin entirely if DWG file processing is not essential to their operations, as this provides an additional layer of defense against this specific vulnerability.