CVE-2025-7264 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-26171.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2025
The CVE-2025-7264 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that specifically affects the parsing of Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) files. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied data during the CGM file processing phase, creating a dangerous condition where memory access occurs beyond the bounds of allocated buffer space. The flaw is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution when exploited, allowing attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges within the context of the IrfanView process. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin attempts to parse malformed CGM files that contain specially crafted data structures designed to trigger the buffer over-read condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer over-read pattern that aligns with CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read conditions as a common class of memory safety issues. When the CADImage Plugin processes a malicious CGM file, it fails to properly validate the length and structure of the data elements within the file, particularly in the header or data segments that define the graphic elements. This lack of input validation creates a scenario where the parsing routine reads beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially accessing adjacent memory locations that could contain sensitive data or executable code. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious web page that loads the problematic file or opening a crafted CGM file directly, making it a remote code execution vector that can be delivered through web-based attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using IrfanView with the CADImage Plugin installed, as it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond normal user access. The attack surface expands considerably when considering that CGM files are commonly used in engineering and technical documentation environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to potentially establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the victim's system. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the execution occurs through legitimate system processes. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments where vulnerable systems exist.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of the malicious CGM file to ensure that the buffer over-read condition triggers the desired execution path. Attackers typically leverage the out-of-bounds read to overwrite critical memory structures or to redirect execution flow through carefully placed pointers and function addresses within the process memory space. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat means that organizations cannot rely solely on network segmentation or perimeter defenses, as the attack can originate from external sources through web browsing or file sharing activities. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the CADImage Plugin, implementation of file type filtering for CGM files, and user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted files. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file content patterns and deploy application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized plugin execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for plugins that handle complex file formats and external data processing.