CVE-2014-2073 in CATIA V5-6R2013
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Dassault Systemes CATIA V5-6R2013 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted packet, related to "CATV5_Backbone_Bus."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2073 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Dassault Systemes CATIA V5-6R2013 software, specifically affecting the CATV5_Backbone_Bus component. This issue resides in the communication protocol handling mechanism of the popular computer-aided design software used extensively in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries. The buffer overflow vulnerability occurs when the application processes network packets that contain malformed data structures, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication or physical access to the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the CATV5_Backbone_Bus communication module. When the software receives a specially crafted network packet, the application fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and redirecting program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the software handles backbone bus communication protocols, which are fundamental to the distributed computing architecture used in large-scale CAD environments where multiple workstations communicate through shared network channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain complete control over affected systems running CATIA V5-6R2013. Remote code execution capabilities mean that malicious actors can install backdoors, modify design files, or even disrupt critical manufacturing processes that depend on the integrity of CAD data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple engineers collaborate on complex projects through shared network infrastructure, as a single compromised workstation could potentially affect entire design networks. This issue directly relates to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration as a fundamental software flaw that enables arbitrary code execution through memory corruption.
Security implications of CVE-2014-2073 align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the Execution and Persistence domains. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through remote code execution, potentially using the compromised system as a launch point for further network infiltration. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. Organizations using CATIA V5-6R2013 should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate CAD environments, applying vendor-provided patches, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial control systems and enterprise software applications where memory safety is critical for operational integrity and security.