CVE-2020-6338 in 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer, version - 9, allows a user to open manipulated RH 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-2020-6338 that stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the application's file processing capabilities. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of RH files, which are used for 3D visualization and model rendering within the SAP ecosystem. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input data from external sources, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted file manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user opens a specially crafted RH file that has been manipulated by an attacker. The improper input validation allows the application to process malformed or malicious data structures within the RH file format, leading to a controlled application crash. This crash results in the complete unavailability of the SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer until the user manually restarts the application, effectively creating a denial of service condition that disrupts normal business operations and user productivity.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which identifies improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient validation of external inputs can lead to application instability and service disruption. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where 3D visualization tools are integral to design, engineering, and product development workflows, as it can interrupt critical business processes and potentially lead to significant operational downtime.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6338 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to cause repeated service disruptions, leading to productivity losses and potential data access issues. The temporary unavailability of the application until manual restart creates a window of opportunity for additional attacks or exploitation attempts. Organizations utilizing SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer should consider this vulnerability in their overall security posture, particularly when implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation and application monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms and restricting file access from untrusted sources. Organizations should consider deploying network access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious files and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized file execution. Additionally, regular security updates and patches from SAP should be applied promptly to address this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under initial access and execution phases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous file processing activities and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.