CVE-2024-11557
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious DXF files in IrfanView. Attackers can gain full control of the affected system through memory corruption. All users of vulnerable IrfanView versions 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 same privileges as the user running IrfanView, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious actor delivers weaponized DXF file via email or web download, leading to malware installation when user opens the file.
If Mitigated
User opens file in sandboxed environment or with limited privileges, containing the impact to isolated system.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user to open malicious DXF file. No authentication needed beyond file access.
🛠️ 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 opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Default Programs > Select IrfanView > Choose defaults for this program > Uncheck .dxf
Block DXF files at perimeter
allConfigure email/web filters to block .dxf attachments and downloads
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Run IrfanView with limited user privileges (not as administrator)
- Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unexpected processes
🔍 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 dialog📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected process execution following IrfanView launch
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of DXF files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from IrfanView process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"i_view64.exe" OR process_name:"i_view32.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) AND exception_code:c0000005