CVE-2022-40201 in MicroStation CONNECT
Summary
by MITRE • 01/07/2023
Bentley Systems MicroStation Connect versions 10.17.0.209 and prior are vulnerable to a Stack-Based Buffer Overflow when a malformed design (DGN) file is parsed. This may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2025
Bentley Systems MicroStation Connect software represents a critical component in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry for 2D and 3D design modeling. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40201 affects versions 10.17.0.209 and earlier, creating a significant security risk within organizations that rely on this platform for design collaboration and project documentation. This vulnerability resides in the parsing mechanism responsible for handling DGN (Design) files, which are the native file format used by MicroStation for storing design data and information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that DGN files are commonly shared between teams and organizations, making this a potential vector for widespread exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow within the DGN file parser component of MicroStation Connect. This occurs when the software processes malformed DGN files that contain oversized data structures or corrupted metadata within the file header or data sections. The buffer overflow vulnerability arises because the application does not properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers allocated on the stack. When an attacker crafts a malicious DGN file with oversized or malformed data structures, the parsing routine attempts to copy more data than the allocated buffer can accommodate, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data within the program's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential path for privilege escalation and persistent access within affected environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running MicroStation Connect, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack requires only the delivery of a malicious DGN file to an unsuspecting user, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability in collaborative environments where file sharing is common. Organizations using MicroStation Connect in enterprise settings face heightened risk due to the prevalence of design file exchanges between different departments, contractors, and external partners. The vulnerability could enable attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive design data, or disrupt critical infrastructure projects that rely on accurate design documentation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of MicroStation Connect that addresses this vulnerability, as Bentley Systems has released patches to resolve the buffer overflow issue. Network segmentation and file validation controls should be implemented to prevent unauthorized DGN file processing, particularly in environments where file sharing occurs across trust boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the broader category of CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory, and represents a common attack pattern that maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic. Organizations should also consider implementing automated file scanning solutions that can detect and quarantine potentially malicious DGN files before they can be processed by the vulnerable software, along with regular security awareness training for users who handle design files to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might deliver malicious files.