CVE-2024-11563 Overview
CVE-2024-11563 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] in IrfanView's DXF file parser. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Exploitation requires a user to open a crafted DXF file or visit a malicious page that delivers one. The issue was reported through the Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-24860 and disclosed publicly as ZDI-24-1576.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running IrfanView, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the local host.
Affected Products
- IrfanView 4.67 (x64)
- IrfanView 4.67 (x86)
- Installations processing DXF files via IrfanView
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-22 - CVE-2024-11563 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-11563
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in IrfanView's routine for parsing Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) files. IrfanView fails to properly validate user-supplied data within the DXF structure before performing read operations. As a result, the parser reads past the end of an allocated buffer. Attackers can leverage the resulting memory disclosure and control-flow influence to execute arbitrary code within the IrfanView process. The vulnerability requires user interaction: the target must open a crafted DXF file or visit a page that delivers one.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing bounds checking on values contained inside the DXF file. Length or index fields taken directly from the file drive read operations without verification against the allocated buffer size. This is classified as an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125]. The read primitive can be combined with adjacent memory layout knowledge to influence subsequent parsing logic and reach code execution.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious DXF file through email, a download link, or a drive-by page that triggers file handling in IrfanView. When the user opens the file, the vulnerable DXF parser processes attacker-controlled data. Code execution occurs in the security context of the current user. No authentication is required on the target system. No public proof-of-concept or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported for this issue.
No verified public exploit code is available. See the Zero Day Initiative advisory ZDI-24-1576 for technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11563
Indicators of Compromise
- DXF files delivered from untrusted email, chat, or web sources that trigger IrfanView on open.
- Unexpected crashes of i_view32.exe or i_view64.exe with access violation exceptions during file parsing.
- Child processes spawned by IrfanView that are inconsistent with normal image viewing activity (for example, cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or script hosts).
- Outbound network connections initiated by the IrfanView process shortly after opening a DXF file.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process ancestry for IrfanView launching shells, script interpreters, or LOLBins.
- Alert on Windows Error Reporting or crash dumps generated by IrfanView following a DXF file open event.
- Inspect email and web gateways for DXF attachments and archived DXF files from external senders.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Log file-open telemetry for .dxf extensions on endpoints where IrfanView is installed.
- Correlate user file-open events with subsequent process creation and network activity by the IrfanView process.
- Track IrfanView version inventory across managed endpoints to identify systems running vulnerable 4.67 builds.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11563
Immediate Actions Required
- Update IrfanView to a release later than 4.67 that addresses DXF parsing; consult the Zero Day Initiative advisory for the vendor-supplied fix status.
- Remove or disable IrfanView on systems where it is not required for business use.
- Block delivery of DXF files at email and web gateways for user populations that do not require them.
Patch Information
Refer to the Zero Day Initiative advisory ZDI-24-1576 and the IrfanView download page for the current fixed version. At the time of NVD publication, version 4.67 (x86 and x64) is listed as affected. Apply the vendor-supplied update on all managed endpoints.
Workarounds
- Unassociate the .dxf file extension from IrfanView so DXF files do not open automatically in the vulnerable parser.
- Restrict IrfanView execution using application control policies until patching is complete.
- Train users to avoid opening DXF files from untrusted sources and to validate senders before opening attachments.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
