CVE-2016-2536 in 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple use-after-free vulnerabilities in SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted SketchUp document. NOTE: the primary affected product may be SketchUp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2536 represents a critical security flaw in SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted SketchUp documents. This issue stems from multiple use-after-free conditions that occur when the viewer processes malformed 3D model files, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory management errors in the software's parsing mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the widely used SketchUp format, which serves as a common file exchange medium across various industries including architecture, engineering, and construction. The primary impact occurs when the viewer attempts to free memory resources that are subsequently accessed, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the execution flow through carefully constructed input data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where program memory is accessed after it has been freed, and may also relate to CWE-119 which covers weaknesses in memory management. These flaws typically arise from insufficient validation of input data and inadequate bounds checking during file parsing operations. The SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer's processing of SketchUp documents involves complex memory allocation and deallocation procedures that can be manipulated by attackers to overwrite memory locations or inject malicious code into the execution context. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where 3D models are frequently shared and opened by multiple users.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2536 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems and escalate privileges within the network. Since SketchUp files are commonly shared through email attachments, collaborative platforms, and document management systems, the attack surface is extensive and includes both individual users and enterprise networks. Organizations utilizing SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer and related SketchUp applications face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that a single malicious file could compromise multiple systems without user interaction, making traditional security measures such as user awareness training less effective against this specific threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as SAP would have released security updates addressing the specific memory management issues. Network segmentation and file validation controls can provide additional protection by preventing untrusted SketchUp files from being processed by the viewer application. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can process 3D model files, reducing the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing arbitrary code through the compromised viewer application, potentially leading to further system compromise and data exfiltration operations.