CVE-2022-28641 in MicroStation CONNECT
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2023
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Bentley MicroStation CONNECT 10.16.02.34. 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 IFC files. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-16390.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2026
CVE-2022-28641 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Bentley MicroStation CONNECT version 10.16.02.34, classified under CWE-476 as NULL Pointer Dereference, which falls within the broader category of software security flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the Industrial Foundation Classes (IFC) file parsing functionality, a core component used for exchanging building information modeling data between different software platforms. The flaw emerges from insufficient input validation during IFC file processing, where the application fails to verify whether an object reference exists before attempting to perform operations on it, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted IFC file, making it a classic example of a client-side attack vector that leverages social engineering tactics. When a user interacts with the malicious content, the application's IFC parser encounters a null pointer reference scenario that triggers unexpected behavior in the execution context. This particular weakness allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates within a widely used engineering and design software platform, where users frequently handle third-party files from various sources.
The operational implications of CVE-2022-28641 extend beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Bentley MicroStation is deployed. Organizations using this software in architectural, engineering, and construction workflows face potential data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement opportunities for attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that IFC files are commonly shared between different stakeholders in the construction industry, making legitimate file transfers potential vectors for exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, which describes how adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in applications to execute malicious code on target systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch management, as the fix typically involves implementing proper null pointer validation and object existence checks within the IFC file parsing module. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and file validation controls to prevent unauthorized IFC file execution, particularly in environments where users have elevated privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in software security practices, emphasizing that proper defensive coding techniques such as bounds checking and null reference validation are essential for preventing exploitation of similar flaws. Additionally, security awareness training for users handling IFC files can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks.