CVE-2021-34880 in View
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2022
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Bentley View 10.15.0.75. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of 3DS files. Crafted data in a 3DS file can trigger a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-14833.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2022
CVE-2021-34880 represents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Bentley View version 10.15.0.75, which falls under the CWE-125 weakness category for out-of-bounds read errors. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the 3DS file parser, where maliciously crafted data can cause the application to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when processing 3DS files, a common 3D graphics format used in architectural and engineering applications, making it particularly dangerous in professional environments where such files are frequently exchanged.
The exploit requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted 3DS file, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for execution. When a victim opens the malicious file, the buffer overflow occurs during the parsing process, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the classic attack pattern where a memory corruption issue leads to privilege escalation and full system compromise, as the application's execution context is directly manipulated through the malformed input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector within engineering and architectural workflows where 3DS files are routinely shared and opened. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers need not have physical access to target systems, making it particularly concerning for organizations that regularly receive external 3D design files. The ZDI-CAN-14833 reference indicates this vulnerability was tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the need for immediate remediation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest version of Bentley View, implementing strict file validation policies for 3DS files, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file transfers. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted 3D files and implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file processing can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability underscores the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in commercial software, particularly in applications handling complex file formats where buffer overflows can lead to complete system compromise.