CVE-2022-0496 in Openscad
Summary
by MITRE • 08/29/2022
A vulnerbiility was found in Openscad, where a DXF-format drawing with particular (not necessarily malformed!) properties may cause an out-of-bounds memory access when imported using import().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0496 resides within the OpenSCAD 3D modeling software, specifically affecting the handling of DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files during the import process. This issue manifests when the software encounters particular property configurations within DXF drawings that, while not necessarily malformed, trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying memory management system. The flaw occurs during the execution of the import() function, which is designed to incorporate external drawing files into the current 3D modeling environment. OpenSCAD's implementation processes DXF files through a parsing mechanism that fails to properly validate or sanitize certain property attributes, creating a potential entry point for memory corruption.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the DXF import module of OpenSCAD. When the software processes specific combinations of DXF properties, particularly those related to geometric definitions and coordinate systems, the parsing routine fails to verify array boundaries or memory allocation limits before accessing memory locations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient bounds checking, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition where the software attempts to access memory outside the allocated bounds, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered by legitimate DXF files that follow valid specifications but contain property combinations that the software's parser does not properly anticipate.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0496 extends beyond simple application instability, presenting significant security risks in environments where OpenSCAD is used for collaborative design or automated processing workflows. An attacker could potentially craft a malicious DXF file that, when imported into OpenSCAD, causes the application to crash or execute unintended code, leading to denial of service or potential privilege escalation depending on the execution context. The vulnerability affects users who rely on the import() function for integrating external designs, making it particularly dangerous in professional settings where designers frequently incorporate third-party components. In automated environments where OpenSCAD processes multiple files sequentially, this flaw could enable a cascading failure that disrupts entire design pipelines. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from OpenSCAD users and administrators. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of OpenSCAD where the vulnerability has been patched through enhanced bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures before importing external DXF files, particularly those from untrusted sources, and consider using sandboxed environments for processing potentially malicious files. Security teams should monitor for any attempts to exploit this vulnerability through social engineering or automated scanning tools that might attempt to deliver malicious DXF files. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around systems running OpenSCAD can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of 3D modeling workflows and automated tools that utilize OpenSCAD should include checks for similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in related software components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation in software systems that process external data formats, particularly in creative and engineering applications where users frequently integrate third-party components into their workflows.