CVE-2024-11527
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious DWG files in IrfanView. The flaw exists in DWG file parsing due to improper input validation, leading to memory corruption. All IrfanView users who open untrusted DWG files are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- IrfanView
📦 What is this software?
Irfanview by Irfanview
Irfanview by Irfanview
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the user running IrfanView, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malware installation or system compromise when users open malicious DWG files from untrusted sources like email attachments or downloads.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing, restricted user privileges, and file type blocking preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
User interaction required (opening malicious file). The vulnerability is well-documented and memory corruption flaws are commonly weaponized.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: IrfanView 4.67
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 and follow prompts
3. Verify installation by checking Help > About
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DWG file association
windowsRemove DWG file type association with IrfanView to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Associate a file type or protocol with a program > Select .dwg > Change program > Choose different application
Block DWG files at perimeter
allConfigure email/web filters to block .dwg attachments and downloads
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized IrfanView execution
- Run IrfanView with restricted user privileges (non-admin)
🔍 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 with memory access violations
- Unexpected IrfanView process spawning child processes
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from IrfanView process to suspicious IPs
- DNS requests for known malicious domains from IrfanView
SIEM Query:
process_name:"i_view32.exe" OR process_name:"i_view64.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) | where version < "4.67"