CVE-2022-34280 in PADS Standard
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in PADS Standard/Plus Viewer (All versions). The affected application is vulnerable to an out of bounds read past the end of an allocated buffer when parsing PCB files. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (FG-VD-22-045)
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-34280 affects PADS Standard/Plus Viewer, a widely used printed circuit board design software that processes PCB files for visualization and analysis. This application serves as a critical tool in electronics design and manufacturing environments where precise circuit board layouts are essential for product functionality. The vulnerability resides within the file parsing functionality that handles PCB file formats, specifically when processing certain malformed or crafted input files that trigger memory access violations during the parsing process.
This out of bounds read vulnerability represents a classic buffer overread condition that occurs when the application attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer while parsing PCB files. The flaw manifests when the parser encounters specific patterns or structures within the PCB file format that cause it to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125 - Out-of-bounds Read, which is classified as a memory safety issue that can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows an attacker to execute code within the context of the current process, effectively providing a path for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a significant security risk in environments where PCB design files may be received from untrusted sources or where attackers could potentially inject malicious payloads into legitimate design files. The vulnerability affects all versions of PADS Standard/Plus Viewer, indicating it is likely a fundamental flaw in the parsing logic rather than a recent regression. Attackers could exploit this by crafting malicious PCB files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would trigger the buffer overread condition and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This could lead to complete system compromise, especially if users with elevated privileges open malicious files or if the application is used in automated build or verification processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vendor has likely released security updates to address the buffer overread condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for PCB files, particularly those received from external sources, and consider deploying network segmentation to limit exposure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through PowerShell-based exploitation. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges when opening design files can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider network monitoring to detect unusual file access patterns and implement regular security assessments of their design environments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in specialized software applications and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and memory management in industrial design tools.