CVE-2024-11513
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious ECW image files in IrfanView. Attackers can achieve remote code execution in the context of the current user. All IrfanView users who open untrusted ECW files are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- IrfanView
📦 What is this software?
Irfanview by Irfanview
Irfanview by Irfanview
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged-in user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malware installation, data exfiltration, or system disruption when users open malicious ECW files from email attachments or downloads.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users operate with minimal privileges and don't open untrusted files, though application crashes may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
User interaction required (opening malicious file). Heap overflow to RCE is a common exploitation path with available techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: IrfanView 4.67 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.irfanview.com/main_history.htm
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download IrfanView 4.67 or later from official website. 2. Run installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. No system restart required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ECW file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as default handler for .ecw files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations > Find .ecw > Change program
Block ECW files at perimeter
allFilter .ecw files at email gateways and web proxies
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent IrfanView execution
- Use sandboxed environments for opening untrusted image files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IrfanView version via Help > About. If version is below 4.67, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Verify IrfanView version is 4.67 or higher in Help > About dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs
- Windows Application Error events with IrfanView process
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of .ecw files from untrusted sources
- Unusual outbound connections after opening image files
SIEM Query:
Process:irfanview.exe AND (EventID:1000 OR EventID:1001)