CVE-2022-40653 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-18349.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2022
CVE-2022-40653 represents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Ansys SpaceClaim 2022 R1 that enables remote code execution through improper input validation during X_B file parsing. This vulnerability resides within the software's file handling mechanism and specifically targets the parsing of X_B format files which are commonly used for 3D modeling and engineering simulations. The flaw manifests as a classic out-of-bounds write condition where insufficient validation of user-supplied data allows an attacker to craft malicious X_B files that can trigger memory corruption during file processing. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning a target must either visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted X_B file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks against engineering teams. From a technical perspective, this issue maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically to CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SpaceClaim is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries where engineers frequently exchange design files, creating multiple potential entry points for exploitation. The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process, potentially enabling full system compromise if the application runs with elevated permissions. The exploitation chain typically involves crafting a malicious X_B file that, when parsed by the vulnerable application, triggers the buffer overflow condition leading to code execution. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through malicious file formats, and T1566, which addresses social engineering via malicious content delivery. Organizations using Ansys SpaceClaim should immediately implement mitigations including restricting file execution permissions, implementing strict file validation policies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious X_B file activity. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in file parsing components and demonstrates how seemingly benign file format handling can become a critical security risk when proper input validation is omitted. Given the widespread use of SpaceClaim in enterprise environments, this vulnerability represents a significant risk that requires immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential compromise of sensitive engineering data and intellectual property.