CVE-2017-20211 in E-XD++ Visualization Enterprise Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2025
UCanCode E-XD++ Visualization Enterprise Suite contains an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability via the TKDRAWCAD.TKDrawCADCtrl.1 ActiveX control. This is because it exposes a RotateShape method that dereferences a user-supplied pointer without sufficient validation. A crafted input may cause the control to dereference an attacker-controlled pointer, enabling remote code execution in the context of the hosting process. The vulnerability requires user interaction (instantiation of the ActiveX control via a web page or a file).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20211 resides within the UCanCode E-XD++ Visualization Enterprise Suite, specifically affecting the TKDRAWCAD.TKDrawCADCtrl.1 ActiveX control. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the software's architecture. The vulnerability manifests through the RotateShape method which fails to adequately validate user-supplied pointers before dereferencing them, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The flaw exists at the intersection of software design and security implementation, where the control's exposure to external input lacks sufficient sanitization and validation measures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes null pointer dereference conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The ActiveX control's RotateShape method serves as the attack vector where an attacker can supply a crafted pointer that, when dereferenced, triggers memory corruption and potentially allows for code execution within the context of the hosting process. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues that have historically been exploited in various attack scenarios, particularly within browser environments where ActiveX controls are executed. The attack requires user interaction to be successful, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to instantiate the vulnerable ActiveX control through a web page or file attachment, making it a client-side exploitation scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the entire hosting environment where the vulnerable control operates. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the hosting process, which may include elevated system permissions depending on how the application is configured. This creates a significant risk for organizations that deploy the affected software, particularly in environments where ActiveX controls are enabled and users have the ability to browse untrusted websites or open malicious files. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction makes it less likely to be exploited at scale compared to fully autonomous exploits, but it still represents a serious threat vector that can be leveraged in targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation efforts including the deployment of patches provided by the vendor or the implementation of security measures such as disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, implementing application whitelisting policies, and using security software that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of vulnerabilities and execution through malicious code, with the attack chain typically beginning with initial access through web-based delivery and progressing to privilege escalation or code execution within the target system. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing memory corruption issues that can lead to complete system compromise.