CVE-2020-26996 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 CG4 files. This could result in a memory access past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-12027)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2021
This vulnerability resides in JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization software products where insufficient input validation occurs during the parsing of CG4 files. The flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that arises when the applications process user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to V13.1.0 of both software suites, indicating this represents a long-standing issue that was not addressed in the affected releases. The memory access violation occurs when the application attempts to read or write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of file format parsing logic within the CG4 file processing module. When a maliciously crafted CG4 file is processed, the application fails to validate the size or structure of incoming data segments, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted input. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow classifications, representing fundamental memory safety issues in software design. The buffer overflow condition creates an environment where arbitrary code execution becomes possible within the context of the current process, effectively granting attackers the same privileges as the running application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged for complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access points within affected environments. The nature of CG4 files as visualization data formats suggests that this vulnerability could be triggered through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms. Organizations using these visualization tools in enterprise environments face significant risk, particularly in scenarios where users might encounter untrusted CG4 content from external sources.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate application updates to versions V13.1.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and buffer management. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and consider sandboxing mechanisms for processing untrusted visualization files. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and implementing application whitelisting can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls across multiple threat vectors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should include verification of software versions and patch compliance to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other applications.