CVE-2019-17241
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2019-17241 is a memory corruption vulnerability in IrfanView's WSQ file parser that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening a malicious WSQ image file. This affects all users of IrfanView 4.53 who process untrusted WSQ files. The vulnerability occurs due to improper memory handling when reading WSQ files.
💻 Affected Systems
- IrfanView
📦 What is this software?
Irfanview by Irfanview
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with the privileges of the IrfanView user, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Application crash (denial of service) or limited code execution within IrfanView's sandbox, though full RCE is possible with crafted exploits.
If Mitigated
Application crash with no further impact if exploit fails or is detected by security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious file; public research demonstrates the vulnerability but weaponized exploits may exist.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.54 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.irfanview.com/main_history.htm
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download latest IrfanView from official website. 2. Install over existing version. 3. Verify version is 4.54 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WSQ file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as default handler for WSQ files to prevent automatic exploitation
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations > Find .wsq > Change program
Block WSQ files at perimeter
allFilter WSQ files at email gateways and web proxies
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to limit damage from potential code execution
- Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IrfanView version: Help > About or irfanview.exe propertiesCheck Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 4.54 or higher and test with known malicious WSQ file in safe environment📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs
- Windows Application Error events with WSQ in filename
Network Indicators:
- WSQ file downloads from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 AND Source='Application Error' AND ProcessName='i_view32.exe'