CVE-2024-11531
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious CGM files in IrfanView. Attackers can gain control of the affected system with the same privileges as the current user. All IrfanView users who open untrusted CGM 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 full control of the victim's machine, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malware installation or data exfiltration when users open malicious CGM files from untrusted sources like email attachments or downloaded files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users only open trusted files and have proper endpoint protection, though vulnerability remains present in the software.
🎯 Exploit Status
User interaction required (opening malicious file). The vulnerability is well-documented and weaponization is likely given the RCE potential.
🛠️ 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 latest IrfanView from official website. 2. Run installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Verify version is 4.67 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CGM file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as default handler for CGM files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Default Programs > Select IrfanView > Choose defaults for this program > Uncheck .cgm
Block CGM files at perimeter
allConfigure email/web gateways to block .cgm file attachments
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block IrfanView execution
- Use endpoint protection with exploit prevention capabilities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Open IrfanView, go to Help > About, check if version is below 4.67Check Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm IrfanView version is 4.67 or higher in Help > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs with memory access violations
- Windows Application logs showing IrfanView failures
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of .cgm files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections after IrfanView processes CGM files
SIEM Query:
source="*irfanview*" AND (event_type="crash" OR file_extension=".cgm")