CVE-2024-11571
📋 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 in the context of the current user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious code execution with user-level privileges, enabling data exfiltration, malware installation, or system disruption.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing, user privilege restrictions, and file type blocking preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once a malicious DXF file is crafted. The vulnerability was discovered by Zero Day Initiative (ZDI-CAN-24895).
🛠️ 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 the official website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Verify the update by checking Help > About.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DXF file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as the default handler for DXF files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations > Find .DXF > Change program
Block DXF files at perimeter
allConfigure email/web gateways to block DXF file attachments
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized IrfanView execution
- Use Windows Defender Application Control or similar to restrict IrfanView to trusted directories 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📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView process crashes with DXF files
- Unusual process spawning from IrfanView
- Security event logs showing IrfanView accessing unexpected memory regions
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of DXF files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from IrfanView process to suspicious IPs
SIEM Query:
Process:IrfanView AND (FileExtension:DXF OR ParentProcess:explorer.exe) AND (EventID:1000 OR EventID:1001)