CVE-2007-4600 in Mathcad
Summary
by MITRE
The "Protect Worksheet" functionality in Mathsoft Mathcad 12 through 13.1, and PTC Mathcad 14, implements file access restrictions via a protection element in a gzipped XML file, which allows attackers to bypass these restrictions by removing this element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4600 resides within the worksheet protection mechanisms of several versions of Mathsoft Mathcad and PTC Mathcad software products. This flaw specifically targets the implementation of file access controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized modification or viewing of protected worksheets. The protection system relies on a gzipped XML file structure where a dedicated protection element is embedded to enforce access restrictions. When users attempt to open or modify protected worksheets, the software checks for the presence and validity of this protection element within the compressed XML container. The vulnerability arises from the software's insufficient validation process that fails to properly verify the integrity and presence of this critical protection element.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a design flaw in how the software handles the XML protection elements within compressed files. The protection mechanism was intended to create a barrier against unauthorized access by embedding specific XML tags that would be validated during file operations. However, attackers can exploit this by simply removing the protection element from the gzipped XML file before attempting to access the worksheet. This manipulation bypasses the software's validation checks entirely, allowing unauthorized users to circumvent the intended access controls. The flaw represents a classic case of weak input validation and inadequate access control enforcement within a file processing system, which aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Flaws and CWE-250 Execution with Unnecessary Privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially sensitive mathematical computations and engineering data stored within protected worksheets. Organizations that rely on Mathcad for critical calculations, design work, or proprietary engineering models face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited. Attackers who gain access to protected worksheets can potentially view confidential calculations, modify critical engineering parameters, or extract intellectual property embedded within the mathematical models. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where sensitive technical data is stored in protected worksheets, making it a significant concern for industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and research organizations that depend on Mathcad for their technical workflows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to the software's access control mechanisms. Organizations should first ensure they are running the latest available versions of Mathcad software that address this specific vulnerability, as the issue was resolved in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to protected worksheets and establish strict access control policies for sensitive technical files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and robust access control enforcement, principles that align with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based protections and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in other software components that may rely on similar file protection mechanisms.