CVE-2021-27390 in JT2Go
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in JT2Go (All versions < V13.1.0.3), Teamcenter Visualization (All versions < V13.1.0.3). The TIFF_loader.dll library in affected applications lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing TIFF files. This could result in an out of bounds write past the end of an allocated structure. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-13131)
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-27390 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in the TIFF_loader.dll library component of Siemens JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization applications. This issue affects all versions prior to V13.1.0.3 and stems from insufficient input validation during TIFF file parsing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted TIFF files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by adversaries. The flaw resides in the improper handling of user-supplied data within the image loading pipeline, where the application fails to adequately verify the bounds of allocated memory structures before writing data to them.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw allows an attacker to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. The exploitation scenario involves an attacker crafting a malicious TIFF file that, when opened by the vulnerable application, triggers the memory corruption. The out-of-bounds write can overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling arbitrary code execution within the application's security context. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code through the compromised application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a privilege escalation vector that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable software. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute code with the same privileges as the targeted application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The affected applications are commonly used in engineering and product design environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking access to sensitive intellectual property or industrial control systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, making social engineering attacks particularly effective. Organizations using these visualization tools in enterprise environments face significant risk, as the applications often run with elevated privileges and may be accessed by multiple users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-27390 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions V13.1.0.3 or later, where Siemens has addressed the memory validation issues in the TIFF_loader.dll component. Organizations should implement file access controls and restrict user interaction with potentially malicious files through sandboxing mechanisms or automated file scanning solutions. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can access vulnerable applications. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through log analysis and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments of engineering and design tools should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities in similar image processing libraries. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in multimedia processing components and highlights the need for robust memory safety practices in commercial software applications that handle user-supplied data.