CVE-2024-6820
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious AWD files in IrfanView. The flaw exists in how IrfanView processes AWD files without proper bounds checking, enabling buffer overflow attacks. All users running vulnerable versions of IrfanView are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- IrfanView
📦 What is this software?
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 malware installation, data exfiltration, or system disruption for the affected user account.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and user privilege restrictions, potentially contained to the IrfanView process only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once a malicious AWD file is crafted. The vulnerability is publicly documented with technical details.
🛠️ 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 to update
4. No system restart required
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AWD file association
windowsRemove IrfanView as the default handler for AWD files to prevent automatic exploitation
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Associations > Find .awd > Change program to Notepad or another safe viewer
Application sandboxing
windowsRun IrfanView in a restricted environment to limit potential damage
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block IrfanView execution
- Use endpoint protection with exploit prevention capabilities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IrfanView version via Help > About. If version is earlier than 4.67, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
irfanview.exe /?Verify Fix Applied:
Verify IrfanView version is 4.67 or later in Help > About dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- IrfanView crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected IrfanView process spawning child processes
- AWD file extensions in recent documents
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of AWD files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from IrfanView process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"i_view32.exe" OR process_name:"i_view64.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) AND exception_code:c0000005