CVE-2021-38101 in PhotoPaint Standard
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
CDRRip.dll in 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. This is different from CVE-2021-38099.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38101 affects CDRRip.dll component within Corel PhotoPaint Standard 2020 version 22.0.0.474, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides in the handling of crafted CPT files, which are the native file format used by Corel PhotoPaint for storing image projects and associated data. The flaw specifically manifests during the parsing process of these files, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and enabling exploitation. This issue represents a significant security risk as it allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a user interaction component where victims must open a specially crafted CPT file to trigger the malicious code execution. This user interaction requirement differentiates it from other vulnerabilities in the same product line such as CVE-2021-38099, which may have different attack vectors or require different conditions for exploitation. The out-of-bounds write condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout, potentially overwriting function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures. When a victim opens the malicious file, the CDRRip.dll component processes the malformed data structure and writes beyond allocated memory boundaries, which can result in code execution control flow redirection or memory corruption that adversaries can leverage to inject and execute their own malicious code. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of Windows command shell and PowerShell, as attackers may utilize the executed code to establish persistence or escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. Since the exploitation occurs within the context of the current user, attackers can potentially access user data, modify files, or establish backdoors on the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Corel PhotoPaint, making it particularly concerning for users who regularly work with image files and may unknowingly open malicious files from untrusted sources. Organizations using this software are at risk of targeted attacks where adversaries craft specific CPT files designed to exploit this flaw, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, or further system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used image editing application increases its attack surface, as users may encounter malicious files through email attachments, file sharing platforms, or compromised websites, making this a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise environments that rely on Corel PhotoPaint for their image processing workflows.