CVE-2024-11506 Overview
CVE-2024-11506 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] in IrfanView, a widely deployed Windows image viewer. The flaw exists within the parsing of DWG files and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Exploitation requires the target user to open a crafted DWG file or visit a malicious page that delivers one. The Zero Day Initiative tracks this issue as ZDI-CAN-22169 and published it as advisory ZDI-24-1594. Affected installations include IrfanView 4.62 (x64).
Critical Impact
A crafted DWG file can trigger an out-of-bounds read that leads to arbitrary code execution under the current user's privileges.
Affected Products
- IrfanView 4.62 (x64)
- IrfanView installations with DWG parsing plugin enabled
- Windows systems where IrfanView is configured as the default handler for DWG files
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-22 - CVE-2024-11506 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-11506
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in IrfanView's DWG file parser. When processing a malformed DWG file, the parser dereferences memory before the start of an allocated buffer. This out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] exposes adjacent process memory and can be chained with additional primitives to achieve arbitrary code execution. Because IrfanView runs as an interactive desktop application, successful exploitation yields code execution at the privilege level of the invoking user.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. A target must open a weaponized DWG file received through email, download, or a drive-by link. Delivery through social engineering or malicious document repositories is straightforward given IrfanView's role as a general-purpose viewer.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing validation of user-supplied data within DWG header or structure fields. The parser trusts attacker-controlled offset or size values and computes a read address that falls before the beginning of the destination buffer. The lack of bounds checks on these fields allows the read primitive to operate on unmapped or adjacent memory regions.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a DWG file that manipulates the fields controlling buffer indexing inside the parser. The victim opens the file in IrfanView, either directly or through file association. During parsing, the out-of-bounds read triggers, and the attacker leverages the disclosed memory or corrupted state to redirect execution flow. See the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-1594 for additional technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11506
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected i_view64.exe or i_view32.exe child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- IrfanView process crashes referencing access violations during DWG parsing plugin execution
- Inbound DWG files delivered by email or web download to users who do not routinely handle CAD content
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for IrfanView spawning script interpreters, shells, or LOLBins immediately after opening a file
- Alert on Windows Error Reporting entries for IrfanView modules involved in DWG parsing
- Inspect email and web proxy logs for DWG attachments and downloads reaching non-CAD users
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable process command-line and parent-child process logging on workstations running IrfanView
- Forward Sysmon Event IDs 1, 7, and 11 to a central SIEM for correlation on IrfanView activity
- Track file writes performed by IrfanView outside expected image directories
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11506
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade IrfanView to a version later than 4.62 that addresses the DWG parser flaw
- Remove or disable the DWG parsing plugin for users who do not require CAD file support
- Block DWG file attachments at the email gateway for user populations that do not handle CAD content
Patch Information
Refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-1594 and the IrfanView downloads page for the fixed release. Apply the vendor update to all systems running IrfanView 4.62 (x64) and verify the DWG plugin version after upgrade.
Workarounds
- Uninstall the IrfanView DWG plugin until the patched version is deployed
- Remove IrfanView as the default handler for .dwg files and route DWG viewing to a hardened CAD application
- Restrict execution of IrfanView through application control policies until patching is complete
# Remove DWG file association for IrfanView (run as administrator)
reg delete "HKCR\.dwg" /f
assoc .dwg=
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
