CVE-2019-17255
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2019-17255 is a memory corruption vulnerability in IrfanView's EXR file parser that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening a malicious EXR image file. This affects users of IrfanView 4.53 who process EXR files. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 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 the IrfanView process context.
If Mitigated
Application crash with no further impact if proper sandboxing or application control is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious file). The vulnerability is in the EXR parsing component.
🛠️ 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 the official website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Follow installation prompts to update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable EXR file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as the default handler for EXR files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations > Find .exr > Change program
Block EXR files at perimeter
allFilter EXR files at email gateways and web proxies
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to limit damage from potential exploitation
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IrfanView version via Help > About. If version is 4.53, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Verify IrfanView version is 4.54 or later after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of IrfanView when processing EXR files
- Windows Application Error events with EXR module
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of EXR files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 AND Source='Application Error' AND ProcessName='i_view32.exe'