CVE-2024-11555
📋 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 data validation enables buffer overflow. Users of vulnerable IrfanView versions are affected when processing untrusted DXF files.
💻 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 persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to user account compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with application sandboxing or low-privilege user accounts, potentially causing application crash but not system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once a malicious DXF file is crafted. The ZDI advisory suggests active exploitation is likely.
🛠️ 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 the installer
3. Follow installation prompts
4. Verify version 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 > Select 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 execution of IrfanView
- Use Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker to restrict IrfanView execution to trusted paths only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Open IrfanView, go to Help > About, check if version is earlier than 4.67Check Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm IrfanView version is 4.67 or later in Help > About dialog📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs with DXF-related errors
- Windows Application Event Logs showing IrfanView crashes (Event ID 1000)
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems running IrfanView
- DXF file downloads from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
source="*irfanview*" AND (event_id=1000 OR "dxf" OR "crash")