CVE-2019-17253
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2019-17253 is a memory corruption vulnerability in IrfanView's JPEG-LS decoder that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The vulnerability affects users of IrfanView 4.53 who open specially crafted JPEG-LS images. This is a local attack vector requiring user interaction.
💻 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 if the user has administrative rights.
Likely Case
Application crash (denial of service) when opening malicious JPEG-LS files, with potential for limited code execution depending on exploit sophistication.
If Mitigated
Application crash without code execution if exploit fails or memory protections are effective.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires user to open 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 IrfanView 4.54 or later from official website. 2. Run installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Verify version is 4.54+.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JPEG-LS plugin
windowsRemove or disable the JPEG-LS plugin to prevent processing of vulnerable file format
Move or delete Plugins\FORMATS\JPEG_LS.DLL from IrfanView installation directory
Restrict file associations
windowsRemove IrfanView as default handler for JPEG-LS files
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Default Programs > Remove IrfanView from JPEG-LS associations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block IrfanView execution
- Use group policy to restrict opening of JPEG-LS files with IrfanView
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IrfanView version via Help > About. If version is 4.53, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 4.54 or later in Help > About dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crash logs from IrfanView
- Windows Event Logs showing IrfanView process termination
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections after opening image files
- File downloads of JPEG-LS format
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 AND ProcessName="i_view32.exe" OR ProcessName="i_view64.exe"