CVE-2021-46631 in View
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2022
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 TIF images. The issue results from the lack of proper initialization of memory prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-15461.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
This vulnerability in Bentley View 10.15.0.75 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates the dangers of improper memory handling in image parsing libraries. The vulnerability specifically affects the TIF image parsing functionality, where insufficient memory initialization creates exploitable conditions that allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" which directly enables attackers to manipulate memory contents and gain unauthorized execution privileges. The attack requires user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening compromised files, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering scenarios where users might be tricked into interacting with malicious content. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly initialize memory structures before accessing them during TIF image processing, creating a predictable pattern that attackers can exploit to inject and execute malicious code within the application's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when attackers leverage the flaw effectively. Since the exploitation occurs within the context of the current process, attackers can potentially access all resources available to Bentley View, including file system operations, network communications, and potentially escalate privileges if the application runs with elevated permissions. The memory initialization flaw creates a deterministic exploitation pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can inject malicious code that executes within the application's memory space. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Bentley View is commonly used for engineering and construction document management, as it could allow attackers to access sensitive project data or manipulate engineering files. The ZDI-CAN-15461 identifier indicates this was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative and properly catalogued in their vulnerability database, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and operational security measures to protect against exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating Bentley View to versions that address the memory initialization issue in TIF image parsing functionality, as this represents the most direct solution to the vulnerability. Network segmentation and web filtering controls can help prevent users from accessing malicious content that might trigger the vulnerability, though these measures are not foolproof given the user interaction requirement. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized code within the application context can provide defense-in-depth protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in image processing libraries and highlights why security testing should include thorough analysis of memory initialization and access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security assessments of third-party software components to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other applications.