CVE-2025-7263 in CADImage Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
IrfanView CADImage Plugin CGM 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 CGM 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-26170.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-7263 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) files. This vulnerability falls under the category of buffer over-read conditions, which are classified as CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin parses malformed CGM files, creating an opportunity for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability was identified and tracked as ZDI-CAN-26170 by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity landscape. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that exploitation occurs when a victim visits a malicious webpage or opens a specially crafted malicious file, making this a remote code execution vulnerability that can be delivered through web-based attacks or file sharing mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the CGM file parsing logic of the CADImage plugin. When processing user-supplied CGM data, the plugin fails to properly validate the bounds of allocated memory buffers, allowing an attacker to craft malicious CGM files that trigger memory access violations. This particular flaw enables an attacker to read data beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive memory contents or allowing manipulation of program execution flow. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of memory safety issues and input validation failures, creating a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the context of the IrfanView process. The plugin's handling of CGM file structures lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms that would normally prevent such memory access violations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the IrfanView process. This means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, especially if the affected system has elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where IrfanView might be used for document processing, as it could be exploited through phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the execution capability to run malicious commands and scripts within the victim's environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7263 should focus on immediate patching of the IrfanView CADImage Plugin to address the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious CGM files. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted websites. Security teams should also consider implementing strict file type validation and sandboxing mechanisms for file processing applications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat necessitates comprehensive monitoring of network traffic for suspicious file transfers and browser activities. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle such vulnerabilities, including immediate patch deployment, system scanning for potential compromise, and network segmentation to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other image processing plugins and applications.