CVE-2021-34311 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 Mono_loader.dll library in affected applications lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing J2K 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-13352)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2021
This vulnerability exists within JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization software versions prior to V13.2 where the Mono_loader.dll library fails to properly validate user-supplied data during J2K file parsing operations. The flaw manifests as an out of bounds write condition that occurs when the application processes malformed J2K image files, specifically targeting memory structures allocated for image data handling. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted J2K files to trigger memory corruption during the parsing process. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution within the context of the currently running process. Attackers can craft specially formatted J2K files that, when opened by the vulnerable software, will trigger the out of bounds write condition. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to convince a user to open a malicious file, making it suitable for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through the manipulation of memory.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to create a malformed J2K file that specifically targets the memory layout of the Mono_loader.dll library. When the vulnerable application processes this file, the insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the intended memory structure boundaries. This creates opportunities for overwriting critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that J2K files are commonly used for image representation in engineering and visualization applications, making them a natural choice for attackers to deliver malicious payloads. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing file type restrictions, and deploying application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of untrusted J2K files. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications handling multimedia file formats.