CVE-2021-34296 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 BMP_Loader.dll library in affected applications lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing BMP files. This could result in an out of bounds read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-13057)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-34296 represents a critical security flaw affecting JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization applications across all versions prior to V13.2. This issue resides within the BMP_Loader.dll library component that handles bitmap file parsing operations, making it a significant concern for organizations utilizing these visualization tools. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data during BMP file processing, creating a dangerous attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the BMP_Loader.dll library attempts to parse malformed BMP files without proper buffer boundary checks. This flaw specifically affects the buffer management logic within the image parsing routine, where the application reads data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the lack of proper bounds checking in memory operations. When an attacker crafts a specially malformed BMP file, the application's failure to validate input parameters causes it to read memory locations that are outside the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive memory contents or triggering memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it creates a potential code execution vector that could be leveraged by adversaries to gain unauthorized access to systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code within the context of the currently running process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This represents a severe privilege escalation risk since the application typically runs with the privileges of the user who initiated the visualization process. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that BMP files are commonly encountered in various business environments, making it relatively easy for attackers to craft convincing attack payloads that could be delivered through email attachments, file sharing platforms, or malicious websites.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization must implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems from potential exploitation. The primary recommended action involves upgrading to the patched versions V13.2 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to properly validate user-supplied data during BMP file parsing operations. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious BMP file transfers, while application whitelisting policies can help prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious files. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their environment, as well as implement user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for layered defensive measures including process monitoring and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts.