CVE-2022-40648 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 validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write before the start of an allocated data structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-17563.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2022
CVE-2022-40648 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Ansys SpaceClaim 2022 R1, classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and aligned with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the parsing of X_B files, creating a write-before-read condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory structures. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted X_B files, which are commonly used for 3D modeling data exchange within the engineering simulation environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a classic buffer over-read scenario where user-supplied data is not properly validated before being processed. When SpaceClaim attempts to parse an X_B file containing malicious content, the application fails to validate the boundaries of allocated memory structures, enabling an attacker to write data before the beginning of allocated memory regions. This memory corruption allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current process, effectively providing attackers with complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40648 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to engineering workstations and potentially compromise entire design environments. Given that SpaceClaim is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries for critical design work, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in intellectual property theft, design tampering, or disruption of critical engineering processes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users without physical access to the systems, making it particularly concerning for organizations with distributed engineering teams or those using web-based collaboration tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-40648 should include immediate patch deployment from Ansys, as well as network-level controls such as web application firewalls and file type restrictions to prevent execution of potentially malicious X_B files. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider sandboxing techniques for processing untrusted 3D modeling data. Security monitoring should focus on unusual file access patterns and memory corruption indicators, while user education about phishing risks remains crucial since exploitation requires user interaction. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in engineering software and aligns with ATT&CK's emphasis on defending against client-side exploitation techniques, particularly in enterprise environments where complex CAD software is prevalent.