CVE-2024-11535
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious DXF files in IrfanView. The flaw exists in DXF file parsing where improper bounds checking enables out-of-bounds reads that can lead to remote code execution. All users running vulnerable versions of IrfanView 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 affected system, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or system compromise when users open malicious DXF files, potentially leading to malware installation or credential theft.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and user education preventing successful exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious file) but 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 DXF file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as default handler for DXF files to prevent automatic exploitation
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations > Find .DXF > Change to another program
Application sandboxing
windowsRun IrfanView in restricted environment to limit potential damage
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file type filtering to block DXF files at network perimeter
- Deploy application control policies to restrict IrfanView execution in high-risk environments
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IrfanView version via Help > About, versions below 4.67 are vulnerableCheck Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 4.67 or higher in Help > About dialog📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs with DXF file references
- Windows Application Error logs mentioning IrfanView process crashes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual DXF file downloads to user workstations
- Outbound connections from IrfanView process post-DXF file opening
SIEM Query:
process_name:"i_view32.exe" OR process_name:"i_view64.exe" AND file_extension:".dxf" AND (event_type:crash OR parent_process:explorer.exe)