CVE-2021-34295 in JT2Go
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in JT2Go (All versions < V13.2), Teamcenter Visualization (All versions < V13.2). The Gif_loader.dll library in affected applications lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing GIF 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-13024)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-34295 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in the Gif_loader.dll library component of JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization applications. This issue affects all versions prior to V13.2 and stems from insufficient input validation during GIF file parsing operations. The flaw exists within the memory management logic of the graphics loading subsystem where user-supplied GIF data is processed without adequate bounds checking. When malformed or specially crafted GIF files are processed by the vulnerable applications, the Gif_loader.dll module attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of internal structures, creating a potential code execution vector.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition where the application fails to validate the size and structure of incoming GIF data before attempting to parse and load it into memory. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of the currently running process, meaning successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically falling under the T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution technique category.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities. Organizations utilizing JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization for product design, engineering, and visualization workflows face significant risk exposure when these applications process untrusted GIF files. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems where GIF files might be encountered during normal business operations. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened because these applications are commonly used in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious files from external sources, making the attack surface particularly broad.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-34295 should prioritize immediate patching of affected applications to version V13.2 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement network-based controls to restrict access to potentially malicious GIF files through content filtering solutions and email security gateways. Additionally, application hardening measures including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention should be enabled to reduce exploitation success rates. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software within their environments and establish monitoring procedures for suspicious file processing activities. The remediation process should include user education regarding safe file handling practices and the implementation of least-privilege access controls for applications processing multimedia content.