CVE-2021-43581 in PRC SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2021
An Out-of-Bounds Read vulnerability exists when reading a U3D file using Open Design Alliance PRC SDK before 2022.11. The specific issue exists within the parsing of U3D files. Incorrect use of the LibJpeg source manager inside the U3D library, and crafted data in a U3D 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2021
The CVE-2021-43581 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Open Design Alliance PRC SDK version 2022.11 and earlier releases, specifically affecting the parsing of Universal 3D file format implementations. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of buffer boundaries during U3D file processing, creating a pathway for malicious code execution. The issue manifests when the LibJpeg source manager within the U3D library encounters crafted data within malicious U3D files, leading to memory access violations that can be exploited by adversaries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as the exploitation typically involves executing code within the application context. The affected environment specifically targets applications utilizing the Open Design Alliance PRC SDK for processing 3D content, making it particularly dangerous for CAD software, engineering platforms, and design tools that rely on this library for U3D file handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the U3D file parsing process where the LibJpeg source manager fails to properly validate buffer boundaries when processing image data embedded within the 3D file structure. When an attacker crafts a malicious U3D file containing specially constructed data, the parsing routine can cause the LibJpeg library to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in an out-of-bounds read condition. This memory corruption can then be leveraged by an attacker to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because U3D files are commonly used in engineering and design applications, making the attack surface broad and impactful for organizations relying on CAD software and 3D modeling platforms that utilize the Open Design Alliance SDK. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate bounds checking within the image processing component, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-43581 extends beyond simple memory corruption, presenting a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure and software development environments that utilize the affected SDK. Organizations using CAD platforms, engineering design tools, or any software that processes U3D files through the Open Design Alliance PRC SDK face potential compromise of their systems, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code directly within the application context. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the opening of a malicious U3D file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios or supply chain attacks. This vulnerability represents a critical risk for industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and architectural design, where CAD software is extensively used and the compromise of design systems can lead to intellectual property theft, system compromise, or operational disruption. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making it a particularly attractive target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors targeting industrial control systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to Open Design Alliance PRC SDK version 2022.11 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security monitoring and log analysis should be employed to detect anomalous behavior that may indicate attempted exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted U3D files, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in image processing libraries, highlighting the need for regular security assessments of third-party components. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other applications that may be affected by similar issues within their software ecosystem, particularly those relying on the Open Design Alliance SDK for 3D file processing. Implementation of the recommended mitigations should be prioritized based on risk assessment, with immediate action taken for systems handling sensitive data or those in high-value attack targets.