CVE-2010-20114 in VariCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2025
VariCAD EN up to and including version 2010-2.05 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when parsing .dwb drawing files. The application fails to properly validate the length of input data embedded in the file, allowing a crafted .dwb file to overwrite critical memory structures. This flaw can be exploited locally by convincing a user to open a malicious file, resulting in arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-20114 affects VariCAD EN versions up to and including 2010-2.05, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that fundamentally compromises the application's memory integrity. This flaw specifically manifests during the parsing of .dwb drawing files, which are proprietary formats used by the VariCAD software suite for computer-aided design and drafting operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the file parsing routine, where the application does not properly enforce bounds checking on the length of data segments contained within the maliciously crafted .dwb file structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of stack buffer overflow attacks where insufficient boundary checks allow an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer space. When VariCAD processes the malicious .dwb file, the application's parsing code fails to validate the actual length of embedded data structures, causing the program to write beyond its intended memory boundaries. This overflow directly impacts critical memory structures including return addresses, stack canaries, and function pointers, effectively corrupting the program's execution flow and providing a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows memory access beyond allocated buffers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk as it requires only local exploitation through social engineering tactics to convince users to open malicious files, eliminating the need for remote network access or complex attack vectors. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker creating a specially crafted .dwb file that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, triggers the buffer overflow condition and subsequently executes malicious code with the privileges of the victim user. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files through email attachments, file sharing systems, or compromised software installations. The exploitability characteristics align with the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting user execution through file manipulation.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios and system compromise. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of persistent backdoors within the victim environment. Organizations utilizing VariCAD EN software in their design and engineering workflows face significant exposure, particularly in environments where users regularly exchange .dwb files or where the software is used in collaborative design scenarios. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how file format parsing flaws can create persistent security risks, as the attack surface remains active for all versions up to and including 2010-2.05, requiring immediate remediation efforts. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their security infrastructure.