CVE-2020-6314 in 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer, version - 9, allows a user to open manipulated HPGL file received from untrusted sources which results in crashing of the application and becoming temporarily unavailable until the user restarts the application, this is caused due to Improper Input Validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer version 9 contains a critical vulnerability classified as CVE-2020-6314 that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing HPGL files from untrusted sources. This vulnerability represents a classic example of improper input validation where the application fails to adequately sanitize or verify the integrity of incoming data before processing it, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted file manipulation. The flaw specifically manifests when the viewer encounters manipulated HPGL files that contain malformed or unexpected data structures, leading to unpredictable application behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate the structure and content of HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) files during the parsing process. HPGL is a vector graphics language commonly used for controlling plotters and other graphics devices, and when improperly handled, these files can contain commands that trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other execution anomalies within the viewer application. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities through manipulation of input data. When a maliciously crafted HPGL file is opened, the viewer's parsing routine encounters unexpected data patterns that cause the application to crash and become temporarily unavailable until manual restart occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application disruption to potentially create broader security and business continuity concerns within organizations that rely on SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer for their visualization needs. This vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users are tricked into opening maliciously crafted HPGL files, either through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing mechanisms. The temporary unavailability of the application can disrupt workflow processes, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, or design environments where 3D visualization tools are critical for product development and quality assurance activities. Organizations may experience productivity losses and potential delays in project timelines when users encounter the application crash and must restart their systems. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as the crash behavior could be leveraged to establish a foothold for additional exploitation attempts, especially if the application is running with elevated privileges or in environments with sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6314 should focus on implementing robust input validation controls and establishing secure file handling practices. Organizations should immediately apply available patches or updates from SAP that address the input validation flaw in the HPGL file processing functionality. Network segmentation and file access controls should be implemented to limit exposure to untrusted file sources, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening files from unknown or unverified sources. The implementation of sandboxing mechanisms for file processing and mandatory file type validation can help prevent the execution of potentially malicious files. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual application crash patterns or file access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of the viewer application to trusted environments and ensure that users are not able to open arbitrary files that could trigger the vulnerability. The remediation approach should align with security best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which emphasize the importance of input validation and secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in software applications.