CVE-2021-38100 in PhotoPaint Standard
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
Corel PhotoPaint Standard 2020 22.0.0.474 is affected by an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability when parsing a crafted file. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious CPT file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
Corel PhotoPaint Standard 2020 version 22.0.0.474 contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for end users. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the software processes a specially crafted CPT file format, which is the native file format used by Corel PhotoPaint for storing image projects. The vulnerability occurs during the parsing phase of the file structure where the application fails to properly validate array bounds before writing data to memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious CPT file that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition during file parsing. When a victim opens this crafted file, the application's memory management routines execute code that writes data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only user interaction through file opening, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks where victims might unknowingly open infected files.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for users who frequently handle image files from external sources or download content from untrusted websites. The attack vector is relatively straightforward since the exploit only requires the victim to open a malicious file, eliminating the need for complex phishing techniques or drive-by downloads. The arbitrary code execution capability means that attackers could potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through fileless malware delivery and system compromise.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate patching of Corel PhotoPaint Standard 2020 to version 22.0.0.475 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to prevent accidental opening of malicious files. Security teams should monitor for any reports of exploitation attempts and consider implementing application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of unauthorized software. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing solutions for processing untrusted image files and deploying intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in image processing applications, as similar flaws have been documented in other creative software suites, highlighting the need for comprehensive security reviews of multimedia processing libraries.