CVE-2020-26985 in JT2Go
Summary
by MITRE • 01/13/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in JT2Go (All versions < V13.1.0), Teamcenter Visualization (All versions < V13.1.0). Affected applications lack proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing of RGB and SGI files. This could result in a heap-based buffer overflow. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-11986, ZDI-CAN-11994)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2021
This vulnerability exists within JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization software versions prior to V13.1.0, representing a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw that stems from inadequate input validation during file parsing operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of RGB and SGI image files, where the applications fail to properly validate user-supplied data before processing. When these applications encounter malformed or maliciously crafted RGB or SGI files, the insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution through code injection.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during the file parsing phase where the software does not adequately verify the size or structure of incoming RGB or SGI data. Attackers can craft specially formatted files that contain oversized data structures or malformed headers, causing the application to allocate insufficient memory for processing. When the parsing routine attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, it can overwrite adjacent memory regions including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program data. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow, allowing an attacker to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the running process with the same privileges as the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides a direct path for remote code execution without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. Since the vulnerability occurs during normal file processing operations, attackers can exploit it through social engineering tactics such as email attachments or web downloads containing malicious RGB or SGI files. The affected applications typically run with user-level privileges, meaning successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these visualization tools are commonly used for product design and collaboration, as they often process files from external sources or untrusted users.
Organizations should immediately update to JT2Go V13.1.0 or Teamcenter Visualization V13.1.0 to address this vulnerability, as no reliable workarounds exist for the underlying buffer overflow issue. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious file transfers and limit access to these applications where possible. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in similar visualization and CAD software. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in preventing exploitation of heap-based buffer overflows, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework for protecting against injection attacks and memory corruption vulnerabilities.