CVE-2020-27003 in JT2Go
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in JT2Go (All versions < V13.1.0.1), Teamcenter Visualization (All versions < V13.1.0.1). Affected applications lack proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing TIFF files. This could lead to pointer dereferences of a value obtained from untrusted source. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-12158)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2021
This vulnerability exists in JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization software versions prior to V13.1.0.1 where insufficient input validation occurs during TIFF file parsing operations. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that arises when the applications process untrusted image data without proper sanitization measures. The vulnerability stems from the software's failure to validate the structure and content of TIFF metadata fields before attempting to dereference pointers that are populated with values directly from the parsed file. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The security implications are significant as attackers can craft malicious TIFF files that trigger memory access violations when the vulnerable applications attempt to parse them, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the running process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. When a user opens a specially crafted TIFF file, the application's TIFF parser reads malformed metadata that causes the program to attempt to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The pointer dereference occurs when the application processes the unvalidated data from the TIFF file, specifically targeting the image data structures that are not properly bounds-checked. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the execution flow through memory corruption, potentially allowing for code injection attacks. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that these applications are commonly used in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly open malicious files, making the attack surface particularly broad.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches. Attackers leveraging this flaw could gain unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data stored within Teamcenter Visualization environments, which are typically used for product lifecycle management and collaborative engineering workflows. The vulnerability affects not just individual user workstations but entire enterprise networks where these visualization tools are deployed, as the malicious TIFF files could be delivered through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. Organizations using these applications may experience unauthorized access to intellectual property, design specifications, and confidential engineering data, with potential downstream impacts on product development cycles and competitive advantages.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates to versions V13.1.0.1 or later where the parsing logic has been corrected to include proper input validation and bounds checking. Security teams should implement network-based restrictions to prevent users from opening TIFF files from untrusted sources, including email filtering rules and web proxy configurations that block suspicious file types. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include user education about the risks of opening untrusted files and the implementation of principle of least privilege controls to limit the damage that could occur if exploitation were successful. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and pointer dereference activities that are characteristic of this type of vulnerability exploitation.