CVE-2022-41279 in JT2Go
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in JT2Go (All versions), Teamcenter Visualization V13.2 (All versions < V13.2.0.12), Teamcenter Visualization V13.3 (All versions < V13.3.0.8), Teamcenter Visualization V14.0 (All versions < V14.0.0.4), Teamcenter Visualization V14.1 (All versions < V14.1.0.6). The CGM_NIST_Loader.dll contains a null pointer dereference vulnerability while parsing specially crafted CGM files. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to crash the application causing denial of service condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41279 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the CGM_NIST_Loader.dll component of several Siemens Teamcenter Visualization products and JT2Go software versions. This issue affects multiple product lines including Teamcenter Visualization V13.2, V13.3, V14.0, and V14.1, along with all versions of JT2Go, creating a widespread exposure across the Siemens visualization ecosystem. The vulnerability manifests specifically during the parsing of specially crafted Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) files, which are commonly used for vector graphics representation in engineering and design applications. The flaw resides in how the CGM_NIST_Loader.dll handles malformed input data, particularly when processing CGM files that contain null pointer references in their structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application attempts to dereference a null pointer while parsing CGM files that have been specifically crafted to trigger this condition. According to CWE-476, this vulnerability maps directly to a null pointer dereference, which is a classic software error where a program attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to null. The attack vector is straightforward and requires only the delivery of a malicious CGM file to the affected application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted graphics content. The vulnerability does not appear to enable arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation, but rather focuses on causing application instability through denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-41279 extends beyond simple application crashes, potentially disrupting critical engineering and design workflows where these visualization tools are essential for product development and collaboration. In enterprise environments, the vulnerability could lead to significant productivity losses as users experience unexpected application termination during critical design reviews or collaborative sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated environments where these visualization tools might be integrated into larger workflows or used in web-based applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service, as it enables an attacker to disrupt access to visualization services through application-level attacks. The vulnerability also represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks if attackers can leverage the service disruption to gain additional access or if the application crashes in a way that leaves it in an exploitable state.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected versions, particularly focusing on upgrading to the specified fixed versions mentioned in the vendor advisories for each affected product line. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these visualization tools to untrusted networks or users. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file validation for CGM files, deploying application whitelisting policies, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and error handling in graphics processing libraries, particularly those handling complex file formats that are commonly used in enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning processes to identify other potentially vulnerable components within their visualization toolchains and ensure comprehensive security coverage across all engineering and design applications.