CVE-2022-40643 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 X_B files. The issue results from the lack of proper initialization of a pointer prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-17407.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2022
CVE-2022-40643 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Ansys SpaceClaim 2022 R1, classified under CWE-476 as a null pointer dereference. This vulnerability stems from improper initialization of a pointer during the parsing of X_B files, which are commonly used within the software for geometric modeling and analysis operations. The flaw exists in the software's file processing logic where a pointer variable is not properly validated before being dereferenced, creating a predictable execution path that attackers can manipulate. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that targets must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file containing the vulnerable X_B format data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when SpaceClaim processes an X_B file that contains malformed pointer references during the parsing phase. When the application attempts to access the uninitialized pointer, it can cause unpredictable behavior including memory corruption that allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running SpaceClaim process. This represents a significant security risk as the software typically runs with elevated privileges and has access to system resources and user data. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that SpaceClaim is widely used in engineering and design environments where users frequently handle files from external sources, making the attack surface particularly broad.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise engineering workstations and design environments. The attack requires social engineering to convince users to open malicious files or navigate to compromised web pages, but once executed, it provides attackers with full control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on 3D modeling and simulation software, particularly in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing where SpaceClaim is extensively deployed. The zero-day nature of the vulnerability, as indicated by its assignment to ZDI-CAN-17407, suggests that it was actively being exploited in the wild before the public disclosure, making it particularly dangerous for organizations without immediate patching capabilities.
Security mitigations for CVE-2022-40643 should focus on immediate patch deployment from Ansys, as well as network-level defenses including web application firewalls and email filtering systems to prevent malicious X_B files from reaching users. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and educate users about the dangers of opening untrusted files, particularly those received via email or downloaded from untrusted websites. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers leverage the application's legitimate file processing capabilities to execute malicious code. Additionally, process isolation and privilege separation measures can help limit the damage if exploitation occurs, though the most effective defense remains timely patch management and user awareness training to prevent initial compromise.