CVE-2020-6347 in 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer, version - 9, allows a user to open manipulated HDR 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-2020-6347 that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing HDR file formats. This vulnerability represents a classic example of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, where the application fails to properly sanitize and validate file inputs before processing them. The flaw specifically manifests when the viewer encounters manipulated HDR files from untrusted sources, creating a condition where the application becomes unstable and crashes completely. This represents a significant security risk within enterprise environments where 3D visualization tools are commonly deployed for product design, engineering, and collaborative work processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HDR file structures that the viewer application expects to process in a specific manner. When an attacker crafts a malicious HDR file with malformed or unexpected data sequences, the viewer's input validation routines fail to properly handle these anomalies, leading to memory corruption or unexpected behavior that ultimately causes the application to terminate. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application weaknesses to cause system instability and temporary unavailability. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes as it can disrupt critical business processes that rely on 3D visualization capabilities, potentially causing productivity losses and requiring manual intervention for system recovery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability within enterprise networks is substantial, particularly in organizations that utilize SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer for design reviews, product development, or collaborative engineering tasks. When the application crashes, users must manually restart the software, which can result in data loss, interrupted workflows, and extended downtime for critical projects. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where multiple users simultaneously access the same 3D visualization systems, as it could potentially be exploited to cause cascading service disruptions. The temporary unavailability of the application until manual restart creates a window of operational vulnerability that adversaries could exploit to maximize disruption or use as a foothold for further attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including strict file validation policies, network segmentation to limit access to trusted sources, and regular security updates from SAP to address this vulnerability. The implementation of automated file scanning mechanisms and sandboxed execution environments for untrusted 3D content can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training for users regarding the dangers of opening untrusted 3D files and implementing principle of least privilege access controls can help minimize potential attack surfaces. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on 3D visualization tools should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could be exploited in other enterprise applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for protecting enterprise systems from similar exploitation vectors.