CVE-2024-11537
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in IrfanView allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious DXF files. The flaw exists in DXF file parsing where improper input validation 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 leading to malware installation, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms being established on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Application crash or denial of service if exploit attempts are blocked by security controls, with no code execution achieved.
🎯 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 IrfanView 4.67 or later from official website. 2. Run installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Verify version is 4.67+ in Help > About.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DXF file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as default handler for DXF files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Default Programs > Choose IrfanView > Choose defaults for this program > Uncheck .dxf
Block DXF files at perimeter
allPrevent DXF files from entering the network via email or web downloads
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent 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 DXF-related errors
- Windows Application Event Logs showing IrfanView crashes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from IrfanView process
- DXF file downloads from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
process_name="irfanview.exe" AND (file_extension=".dxf" OR command_line CONTAINS ".dxf")