CVE-2021-44859 in Drawings SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2021
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists when reading a TGA file using Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK before 2022.12. The specific issue exists after loading TGA files. An unchecked input data from a crafted TGA file leads to an out-of-bounds read. 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 • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-44859 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK, specifically affecting versions prior to 2022.12. This security weakness manifests when processing TGA (Truevision Advanced Raster) image files, which are commonly used in CAD and design applications for storing raster graphics data. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during the file loading process, where the software fails to properly verify the integrity and boundaries of TGA file structures before attempting to read memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation issue, where the system does not adequately check the bounds of input data, leading to memory access violations. When a maliciously crafted TGA file is processed by the vulnerable SDK, the application attempts to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a condition that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the application's current security context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed TGA file that contains malformed or oversized metadata fields that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw typically manifests during the parsing phase of TGA file processing where the SDK reads header information and image data without proper boundary checks on array indices or buffer sizes. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the target application's process space. The out-of-bounds read creates a memory access pattern that can be manipulated to redirect execution flow or corrupt memory structures, potentially enabling privilege escalation or remote code execution depending on the application's security context and permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-44859 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides a potential pathway for attackers to achieve full system compromise when the vulnerable SDK is integrated into applications that process user-supplied TGA files. Applications that utilize the Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK for CAD document processing, design visualization, or file conversion services become particularly vulnerable when they accept TGA file inputs from untrusted sources. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications that allow TGA file uploads, email clients that process embedded graphics, or design collaboration platforms that handle CAD file exchanges. Organizations running affected versions of the SDK face significant risk as this vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent access, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for further attacks within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (Execution) and TA0004 (Privilege Escalation) as attackers can potentially execute malicious payloads and elevate their privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-44859 primarily focus on upgrading to the patched version of the Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK 2022.12 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms for TGA file processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization protocols that validate file headers, size parameters, and metadata structures before processing any TGA content. Additional defensive measures include deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities, implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict TGA file processing, and conducting regular security assessments of applications that utilize vulnerable SDK components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices, aligning with industry security standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent buffer overflows and out-of-bounds memory accesses. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file processing applications and establishing robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.