CVE-2022-28662 in Simcenter Femap
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in Simcenter Femap (All versions < V2022.1.2). The affected application contains an out of bounds write past the end of an allocated buffer while parsing specially crafted .NEU files. This could allow an attacker to leverage this vulnerability to leak information in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-15307)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28662 affects Simcenter Femap software versions prior to V2022.1.2, representing a critical buffer overflow condition that stems from improper input validation during file parsing operations. This flaw specifically manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted .NEU files, which are commonly used for finite element analysis data exchange within engineering environments. The out-of-bounds write condition occurs due to insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate the size and structure of data elements within the parsed file format, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by adversaries seeking to compromise the application's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the file parsing subsystem of Simcenter Femap, where the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer specifically designed to hold .NEU file content. This memory corruption vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, where the application writes data past the end of a buffer that was allocated for a specific amount of data. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the current process, meaning that successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive information or potentially execute arbitrary code within the application's memory space. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that .NEU files are commonly used in engineering workflows, making them a realistic attack vector for adversaries targeting industrial control systems and engineering environments.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within engineering and manufacturing environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive engineering data, potentially compromising intellectual property or disrupting critical manufacturing processes. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used finite element analysis tool means that organizations in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing could be at risk, particularly those with legacy systems running vulnerable versions of Simcenter Femap. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that .NEU files are often shared between different engineering teams and organizations, increasing the probability of successful exploitation through social engineering or supply chain compromise methods.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Simcenter Femap V2022.1.2 or later versions that contain the necessary patches addressing this buffer overflow vulnerability. System administrators should implement additional security controls including file validation procedures, network segmentation, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns within engineering environments. The vulnerability's classification as a process context leak suggests that defensive measures should include memory protection mechanisms and runtime application integrity checks to prevent exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for engineering applications and conducting regular vulnerability assessments targeting industrial control systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for process injection and T1550.003 for use of valid accounts, as exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges or maintain persistent access within engineering environments where such applications are regularly used.