CVE-2020-6375 in 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2020
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer, version - 9, allows a user to open manipulated Right Computer Graphics Metafile (.cgm) 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 • 11/20/2020
SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer version 9 contains a critical vulnerability classified as CVE-2020-6375 that stems from improper input validation when processing Right Computer Graphics Metafile (.cgm) files. This vulnerability represents a classic example of a buffer overflow or parsing error that occurs when the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize input data before processing. The flaw exists within the file parsing mechanism that handles .cgm format files, which are used for storing vector graphics and are commonly employed in enterprise visualization environments. When an attacker crafts a malicious .cgm file with malformed or oversized data structures, the viewer application cannot properly handle the unexpected input and subsequently crashes. This vulnerability falls under CWE-20, Improper Input Validation, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows malicious inputs to disrupt normal application behavior. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability as it creates a denial of service condition that can significantly disrupt business operations in enterprise environments where 3D visualization capabilities are critical for design, engineering, and manufacturing processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-6375 is substantial for organizations utilizing SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Viewer in production environments. When the application crashes due to malicious .cgm file processing, users experience immediate disruption to their workflow, requiring manual intervention to restart the application and potentially losing unsaved work or progress. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users may be accessing shared visualization resources simultaneously. The temporary unavailability of the application creates cascading effects throughout engineering and design teams that depend on uninterrupted access to 3D visualization tools. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Execution, as it allows for remote code execution through crafted file manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because .cgm files are commonly used in enterprise settings for technical documentation, product visualization, and design reviews, making them frequent targets for social engineering attacks or supply chain compromises. Organizations may unknowingly execute malicious files through legitimate business processes, creating a significant risk for enterprise-wide disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6375 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement strict file validation and sanitization protocols that filter incoming .cgm files before they reach the viewer application, ensuring that all input data conforms to expected formats and size limitations. The implementation of sandboxing techniques for file processing can isolate potential crashes and prevent them from affecting the broader system. Network-level controls should be deployed to block or scan .cgm files from untrusted sources, particularly those originating from external vendors or unknown senders. Regular security updates and patches from SAP should be implemented immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual application behavior or crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources, particularly in environments where 3D visualization tools are widely used. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with defense-in-depth principles that require multiple layers of security controls to protect against various attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing automated file integrity checks and content inspection mechanisms that can detect malformed or suspicious .cgm files before they are processed by the viewer application.