CVE-2022-40639 in SpaceClaim
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2022
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Ansys SpaceClaim 2022 R1. 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 SKP 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-17207.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2022
This vulnerability in Ansys SpaceClaim 2022 R1 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of inadequate input validation in 3d modeling software. The vulnerability specifically affects the software's handling of SKP files, which are the native file format for SketchUp, a popular 3d modeling application. The flaw exists within the parsing logic that processes these files, creating a pathway for attackers to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly benign 3d model files. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust users place in legitimate 3d modeling applications while operating under the assumption that file format parsing should be safe and predictable.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be classified as a classic null pointer dereference or use-after-free condition, which aligns with CWE-476. The software fails to properly validate whether objects exist before attempting to perform operations on them, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted SKP files can trigger unexpected behavior in the application's memory management. When the application encounters a malformed object reference during SKP file parsing, it attempts to execute operations on non-existent objects, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to inject and execute arbitrary code. This flaw operates at the intersection of file format parsing and memory safety, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the context of the current user's process. This means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, especially if the target user has administrative privileges. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening malicious files aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries use social engineering to deliver payloads. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on 3d modeling and engineering software, potentially exposing critical design data and intellectual property to unauthorized access. Organizations using SpaceClaim for collaborative design work or sharing 3d models through web-based platforms face heightened risk due to the ease with which malicious files can be introduced into their workflows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on multiple layers of protection to address both the immediate threat and prevent similar issues in the future. Users should be educated about the dangers of opening 3d files from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping software updated with the latest security patches. Organizations should implement network-level controls to filter malicious content and consider sandboxing 3d modeling applications to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and defensive programming practices, as outlined in secure coding guidelines from organizations like the CERT Coordination Center. Regular security assessments of third-party software components and file format parsers should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by adversaries. Additionally, implementing automated threat detection systems that monitor for suspicious file access patterns or memory corruption behaviors can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.