CVE-2022-40650 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 past the end of an allocated data structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-17838.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-40650 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Ansys SpaceClaim 2022 R1 software, a widely used 3D CAD modeling application in engineering and design environments. This vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions, specifically manifesting as a write past the end of an allocated data structure, which creates a dangerous memory corruption scenario that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw resides within the X_B file parsing functionality, indicating that the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data during the processing of specific file formats, making it susceptible to manipulation by attackers who can craft malicious X_B files to trigger the vulnerability.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted malicious file to initiate the attack vector. This user interaction requirement reduces the attack surface compared to fully automated exploits but does not eliminate the significant risk, particularly in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through email attachments, web downloads, or collaborative platforms. The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process, which typically means the attacker can gain the same privileges and access rights as the legitimate user running the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write errors. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or establish persistent access within the target environment. Organizations using Ansys SpaceClaim should be particularly concerned as this software is commonly used in sensitive engineering and design workspaces where intellectual property and critical infrastructure designs are stored.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability should include immediate patch deployment from Ansys, as well as network segmentation to limit access to potentially compromised systems. Administrators should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious files. Additionally, monitoring for unusual process execution patterns and network connections from the affected application can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution, particularly in environments where the software is used for critical design work. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in commercial software applications, particularly those handling complex file formats in enterprise environments where security controls must be robust against sophisticated attack vectors.