CVE-2024-11569 Overview
CVE-2024-11569 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in IrfanView's DXF file parser that enables arbitrary code execution. The flaw resides in how the application processes Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) files, where user-supplied data is not properly validated before use. Attackers can leverage the condition to read past the end of an allocated buffer and execute code in the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction: the victim must open a crafted DXF file or visit a malicious page delivering one. The issue was reported through the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-24873 and tracked as ZDI-24-1574.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the user running IrfanView, enabling local compromise from a single opened DXF file.
Affected Products
- IrfanView 4.67 (x64)
- IrfanView 4.67 (x86)
- All installations processing DXF files via the affected parser
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-22 - CVE-2024-11569 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-11569
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] within IrfanView's DXF file parsing logic. DXF is a CAD interchange format that IrfanView supports through its image and vector handling routines. When a specially crafted DXF file is opened, the parser reads memory past the end of an allocated buffer. This memory disclosure primitive can be combined with additional exploitation steps to achieve arbitrary code execution in the process context. The Zero Day Initiative advisory ZDI-24-1574 documents the flaw and its impact on affected installations.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing validation of user-supplied length or offset fields inside the DXF file structure. The parser trusts attacker-controlled values when calculating read boundaries. As a result, the code accesses memory beyond the intended buffer, exposing adjacent process memory and destabilizing execution state.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious DXF file through email attachments, drive-by download pages, or file shares. When the victim opens the file in IrfanView, the vulnerable parser executes and triggers the out-of-bounds read. Code execution runs with the privileges of the current user.
No verified public proof-of-concept is available. See the Zero Day Initiative advisory for further technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-11569
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected i_view32.exe or i_view64.exe process crashes correlated with opening DXF files
- DXF files arriving via email, download, or removable media with unusual size or malformed headers
- Child processes spawned by IrfanView that perform network, scripting, or shell activity
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for anomalous child process creation from IrfanView binaries, especially cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or scripting hosts
- Alert on IrfanView process memory access violations logged by Windows Error Reporting or EDR telemetry
- Inspect file-open events for DXF extensions handled by IrfanView across user endpoints
Monitoring Recommendations
- Collect endpoint process, file, and image-load telemetry for IrfanView installations
- Track outbound network connections initiated by or immediately following IrfanView execution
- Baseline expected DXF usage per user and flag deviations for review
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-11569
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all systems running IrfanView 4.67 (x64 and x86) and prioritize patching
- Restrict opening of DXF files from untrusted sources through email and web filtering
- Remove IrfanView from endpoints where it is not business-critical
Patch Information
No vendor advisory URL is listed in the NVD record at time of publication. Users should upgrade to the latest IrfanView release beyond 4.67 that addresses the DXF parsing flaw and consult the Zero Day Initiative advisory ZDI-24-1574 for coordinated fix guidance.
Workarounds
- Disassociate the .dxf file extension from IrfanView until patched
- Block DXF attachments at email gateways for user populations that do not require them
- Enforce least-privilege user accounts to limit the impact of code execution in the IrfanView process context
# Configuration example: remove DXF association for IrfanView on Windows
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\.dxf" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\IrfanView.DXF" /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
