CVE-2020-6350 in 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer, version - 9, allows a user to open manipulated BMP 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 that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing BMP image files. This flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation where the application fails to properly sanitize and validate file contents before processing them, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted malicious files. The vulnerability specifically affects the viewer's handling of BMP files, which are commonly used bitmap image formats that can be manipulated to contain malformed data structures that the application cannot properly interpret.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application attempts to parse BMP files without adequate validation of the file headers, color table entries, or pixel data structures. When a user opens a manipulated BMP file, the viewer's parsing routines encounter unexpected data patterns that cause the application to crash or become unresponsive. This improper input validation vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation" and is often classified as a path traversal or buffer overflow condition when dealing with image file formats. The vulnerability manifests as an application crash that renders the viewer temporarily unavailable, requiring manual intervention from the user to restart the application and restore functionality.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant availability concerns for organizations that rely on SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer for their 3D visualization needs. The crash condition can occur during routine operations when users open files from untrusted sources, potentially disrupting workflows and productivity. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by sending maliciously crafted BMP files via email attachments, file sharing platforms, or other vectors that might entice users to open them. The temporary unavailability of the application can have cascading effects on downstream processes that depend on the viewer for 3D model visualization, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, and design environments where such tools are integral to daily operations.
The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code or cause denial of service conditions. Additionally, this weakness can be categorized under T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as it allows for potential command injection through file-based attacks, and T1499, "Endpoint Denial of Service," due to the application crash and temporary unavailability. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting file type access, implementing strict file validation procedures, and educating users about the dangers of opening files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of protection, while regular updates to the SAP software and monitoring for anomalous file access patterns should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts.