CVE-2025-7283 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-26219.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2025
The CVE-2025-7283 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the IrfanView CADImage Plugin that processes DWG files, creating a remote code execution vector that poses significant risks to affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the parsing logic of AutoCAD Drawing files, which are commonly used in engineering and architectural applications. The flaw manifests when the plugin processes malformed DWG files that contain specially crafted data structures designed to trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IrfanView is commonly deployed for document viewing. The security implications extend beyond simple file viewing, as the CADImage plugin is often integrated into broader document management systems and can be triggered through web browsers or email attachments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation mechanisms within the DWG file parsing code, which fails to properly sanitize or verify user-supplied data before processing. This lack of proper validation creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious data that can overwrite memory locations or corrupt program execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage that loads the problematic plugin or opening a crafted malicious DWG file, which aligns with common attack patterns where social engineering plays a crucial role. The memory corruption condition typically manifests as buffer overflows, heap corruption, or stack corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution or inject malicious code into the target process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in memory management that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which describes exploitation for execution through the use of malicious files or web content that triggers vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-7283 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, particularly in environments where IrfanView is widely deployed across multiple departments or user groups. Organizations using CAD software or document management systems that rely on IrfanView for DWG file viewing are particularly vulnerable, as these applications often process files from external sources without adequate security screening. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target users through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised web services that deliver the malicious DWG files. Network administrators face additional challenges as traditional network monitoring tools may not detect the initial exploitation attempts, especially when the malicious files are embedded within legitimate-looking documents or when the attack occurs through web-based interfaces. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that many organizations lack comprehensive patch management processes that could quickly address such issues, potentially leaving systems exposed for extended periods. The ZDI-CAN-26219 identifier indicates this vulnerability was previously recognized by the Zero Day Initiative, suggesting it may have been actively exploited in the wild prior to public disclosure, which underscores the urgency for immediate remediation efforts.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including disabling the CADImage plugin until patches are available, implementing strict file validation policies for DWG files, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file content patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of IrfanView plugins to trusted environments and establish comprehensive monitoring for unusual file processing activities. The recommended approach involves prioritizing patch deployment as soon as vendor updates become available, while simultaneously conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of IrfanView. Additional protective measures should include user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening unknown or untrusted DWG files, particularly those received via email or downloaded from unverified web sources. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file processing, especially for documents received from external sources, to contain potential exploitation attempts and limit the damage that could occur if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. Regular security audits should be conducted to ensure that all software components are properly updated and that appropriate security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized code execution through similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or applications.