CVE-2021-46642 in View
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2022
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information 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 DGN files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-15514.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2026
This vulnerability in Bentley View 10.15.0.75 represents a critical buffer over-read condition that enables remote information disclosure and potential arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests during the parsing of DGN files, which are proprietary drawing files used extensively in engineering and construction applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the DGN file parser, specifically failing to properly validate the boundaries of user-supplied data during file processing. This insufficient validation creates a scenario where the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer space, resulting in information disclosure that could expose sensitive system data. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted DGN file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering can be employed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation through file format vulnerabilities. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure as the buffer over-read condition can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. The attack vector is particularly concerning given the widespread use of Bentley View software in critical infrastructure projects where the compromise of engineering data could have severe operational and security consequences. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in software applications handling complex file formats, as even seemingly benign parsing operations can create significant security risks when not properly secured against malformed input data. The issue represents a classic example of how insufficient boundary checking in file processing components can create pathways for attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment.
The exploitation of this vulnerability through DGN file parsing illustrates the broader challenges in securing applications that handle proprietary or complex file formats. The lack of proper validation mechanisms in the file parser creates a fundamental security gap that attackers can exploit to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code with the privileges of the running application. This particular flaw demonstrates how buffer over-read conditions can be leveraged not just for information disclosure but as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling attackers to craft payloads that can execute arbitrary code within the application's memory space. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks where attackers can craft malicious DGN files designed to exploit this specific vulnerability when opened by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability's classification under ZDI-CAN-15514 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant security concern affecting widely used engineering software. The impact extends beyond immediate exploitation potential to include long-term security implications for organizations relying on Bentley View for critical infrastructure documentation, where the compromise of engineering data could affect safety systems and operational integrity. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for regular security updates and the importance of validating all user-supplied input data, particularly in applications handling complex binary formats that are commonly used in professional engineering environments.
Organizations utilizing Bentley View software must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including applying available security patches from the vendor and implementing network-based protections to block access to known malicious DGN files. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer over-read condition makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through carefully crafted payloads that can leverage the information disclosure aspect to aid in further attacks. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network traffic patterns or attempts to access malicious content through the affected software. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation means that organizations should also implement least-privilege access controls and monitor for unauthorized execution of processes that could indicate successful exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training should be enhanced to help users recognize potentially malicious content that could be disguised as legitimate engineering files. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched software to ensure that the fix does not introduce compatibility issues with legitimate DGN files while effectively addressing the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized software that might attempt to exploit similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for robust security practices in engineering and design software, where the integrity of design data and the security of the tools used to manipulate that data are critical to overall system security.