CVE-2020-26993 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 CGM files. This could lead to a stack based buffer overflow while trying to copy to a buffer in the font index handling function. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2021
This vulnerability exists in JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization software versions prior to V13.1.0, representing a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation during CGM file processing. The flaw specifically manifests in the font index handling function where user-supplied data is not properly validated before being copied into a fixed-size buffer. This buffer overflow condition occurs due to insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that should validate the size and content of incoming data before memory allocation. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The security implications are severe as the flaw enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or compromise the entire application environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain unauthorized access to systems running affected software. When a user opens a maliciously crafted CGM file, the application's failure to validate input data triggers the buffer overflow condition, which can be exploited through carefully constructed malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain code execution capabilities. The attack vector is particularly concerning because CGM files are commonly used in engineering and visualization applications, making them a likely target for social engineering campaigns where users might unknowingly open malicious files. The vulnerability affects both JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization products, which are widely used in enterprise environments for product visualization and data management, potentially exposing organizations to significant risk.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to versions V13.1.0 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of untrusted CGM files, particularly in environments where users may encounter files from unknown sources. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking in the font index handling function to ensure that input data does not exceed allocated buffer sizes before memory operations occur. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces, while monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software can help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability even if users inadvertently open malicious files. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other software components that may be susceptible to similar buffer overflow conditions, particularly in applications that process external data files.