CVE-2022-28663 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 structure while parsing specially crafted .NEU files. This could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-15592)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-28663 affects Simcenter Femap software versions prior to V2022.1.2, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. This issue manifests during the parsing of specially crafted .NEU files, which are commonly used for finite element analysis data exchange within the engineering simulation environment. The vulnerability exists in the application's memory management routines where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory structures beyond the intended allocation boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the file parsing subsystem of Simcenter Femap. When processing .NEU files, the software fails to adequately verify array bounds or structure sizes before writing data to memory locations. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated memory space, enabling arbitrary memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control flow elements. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses memory safety issues where programs write data beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with the ability to operate within the security context of the currently running Simcenter Femap process. This means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, particularly given that engineering simulation environments often run with elevated privileges to access system resources and perform complex computational tasks. Attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive design data, manipulate simulation results, or establish persistent access points within engineering networks where such software is deployed. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter for Windows Scripting, as exploitation could involve manipulating the application's execution flow through crafted input files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28663 should prioritize immediate application of the vendor-provided patch to upgrade to Simcenter Femap V2022.1.2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running Simcenter Femap, particularly those handling sensitive engineering data. File validation and sandboxing measures can be employed to restrict the processing of .NEU files from untrusted sources, though this approach requires careful implementation to avoid disrupting legitimate workflow processes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing patterns or unexpected memory access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar memory safety issues within the broader engineering software ecosystem, as such vulnerabilities often indicate broader architectural weaknesses in applications handling complex data formats.