CVE-2024-6822 Overview
CVE-2024-6822 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] in IrfanView, a widely deployed Windows image viewer. The flaw resides in the parser that handles Kodak Cineon (CIN) image files. When IrfanView processes a malformed CIN file, it writes past the end of an allocated buffer because it fails to validate user-supplied data. Attackers can leverage the corrupted memory to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction: the target must open a crafted CIN file or visit a page that delivers one. The issue was reported through the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-23261 and published as advisory ZDI-24-974.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation yields arbitrary code execution in the context of the IrfanView process, enabling malware installation, credential theft, or lateral movement from the compromised host.
Affected Products
- IrfanView 4.66 (x64)
- IrfanView installations that process CIN (Cineon) files
- Windows endpoints with IrfanView associated as a default image handler
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-22 - CVE-2024-6822 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-6822
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects IrfanView's CIN file format parser. Cineon files are structured image containers originally developed for digital film work, and their headers describe pixel layout, offsets, and image dimensions. IrfanView reads these header fields and uses them to size and populate an internal buffer. The parser trusts the file-supplied values without validating that write operations remain inside the allocated region. When a crafted file supplies out-of-range values, the decoder writes attacker-controlled bytes beyond the buffer boundary, corrupting adjacent heap or stack memory. An attacker who controls the overwritten memory can hijack program control flow and execute code with the privileges of the user running IrfanView.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing bounds validation on user-supplied fields inside the CIN file header before those values drive a memory write. This is a classic out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] pattern where parsed length or offset fields are used directly as loop or copy parameters. Because IrfanView is a native Windows binary, the resulting corruption can be steered into function pointer or return address overwrites.
Attack Vector
Delivery is local from a CVSS scoring perspective but practically usable over the web. An attacker crafts a malicious CIN file and delivers it through phishing, drive-by download, an archive, or a shared network drive. The victim opens the file with IrfanView, either directly or via file association. No authentication is required. Code executes in the user context and inherits that user's permissions.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is available for CVE-2024-6822. Refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-974 for the vendor coordination details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-6822
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by i_view64.exe or i_view32.exe, particularly cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- CIN files delivered by email, chat, or web download from untrusted sources, especially inside archives
- IrfanView crash artifacts in the Windows Application event log referencing access violations during image parsing
- Outbound network connections originating from the IrfanView process to unrecognized hosts
Detection Strategies
- Alert on IrfanView processes performing script interpreter execution, LOLBin invocation, or file writes outside of user document directories
- Hunt for CIN files opened from Downloads, Temp, or email attachment paths followed by anomalous process activity
- Apply behavioral rules that flag memory-corruption exploitation patterns such as unbacked executable memory in image viewer processes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Collect endpoint process creation, image load, and file open telemetry for i_view*.exe
- Monitor Windows Defender Exploit Guard or equivalent ASR events for image viewer exploitation attempts
- Track file associations for uncommon image extensions including .cin across the fleet
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-6822
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all endpoints running IrfanView version 4.66 or earlier and prioritize patching
- Update IrfanView to the latest version released after November 2024 that addresses the ZDI-24-974 advisory
- Block inbound .cin file attachments at the email gateway and web proxy until patching is complete
- Warn users against opening image files from untrusted sources, especially uncommon formats like CIN
Patch Information
IrfanView releases fixed builds on its official download site. Consult the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-24-974 for the fixed version and apply the vendor update on every host with IrfanView installed. Confirm the installed build via i_view64.exe /about after deployment.
Workarounds
- Remove the .cin file association from IrfanView so the format is not opened automatically
- Restrict IrfanView execution on high-value systems using AppLocker or Windows Defender Application Control
- Enforce Attack Surface Reduction rules that block child process creation from Office and browser applications
- Run IrfanView under a standard user account and enable exploit protection features such as CFG and DEP
# Configuration example: query installed IrfanView version on Windows endpoints via PowerShell
Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*" |
Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "IrfanView*" } |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, InstallLocation
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
