CVE-2025-7277 in CADImage Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
IrfanView CADImage Plugin DWG 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 DWG 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-26209.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2025
The CVE-2025-7277 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that specifically affects the parsing of DWG files. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, though it manifests as a more complex memory corruption issue that can lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability exists in the way the plugin processes user-supplied DWG file data without adequate input validation, creating a dangerous condition where maliciously crafted files can trigger memory corruption during file parsing operations. The attack vector requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted DWG file, making it particularly concerning for environments where users may encounter untrusted content. This vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with plugins that handle complex file formats, as they often require extensive parsing logic that can introduce numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during the DWG file parsing process where insufficient bounds checking and input validation allows an attacker to manipulate memory structures within the IrfanView application. When the CADImage Plugin encounters malformed DWG data, the lack of proper validation leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations or execute arbitrary code within the application's process context. The vulnerability's remote execution capability stems from the fact that the malicious payload can be embedded within a DWG file itself, making it possible for an attacker to deliver the exploit through email attachments, web downloads, or other file transfer mechanisms. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it leverages a client-side application to achieve remote code execution through file-based attacks. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can result in unpredictable behavior including application crashes, data corruption, or complete system compromise depending on how the memory is manipulated.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7277 extends beyond simple remote code execution to potentially compromise entire user systems, especially in enterprise environments where IrfanView is commonly used for document viewing and image processing tasks. Organizations that rely on CAD drawings and engineering files for their operations face significant risk as attackers could use this vulnerability to gain persistent access to systems through the exploitation of the CADImage Plugin. The vulnerability affects installations where the plugin is enabled and active, making it particularly concerning for users who frequently open CAD files from untrusted sources. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape, as it represents a vector that could be used for initial access, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within networks. The fact that user interaction is required limits the scope of automated exploitation but does not eliminate the risk, as social engineering campaigns can effectively target users to open malicious files. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping third-party plugins updated, as the CADImage Plugin represents a common attack surface for applications that support multiple file formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7277 should focus on immediate patch management and operational security controls to protect against exploitation. The most effective approach involves updating to the latest version of IrfanView that includes a patched CADImage Plugin, as this directly addresses the root cause of the memory corruption issue. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files, particularly those with CAD file extensions. Network security controls such as web proxies, email filtering, and sandboxing of file downloads can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file access patterns and attempts to open DWG files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat means that organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior related to process memory manipulation or unexpected code execution. Regular security assessments should evaluate the security posture of applications that support third-party plugins, as these components often represent significant attack surfaces that require continuous monitoring and updating to maintain security effectiveness.