CVE-2022-42938 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2022
A malicious crafted TGA file when consumed through DesignReview.exe application could lead to memory corruption vulnerability. This vulnerability in conjunction with other vulnerabilities could lead to code execution in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-42938 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the DesignReview.exe application that processes TGA (Targa) image files. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling mechanisms when parsing maliciously crafted TGA file formats. The vulnerability manifests when the application attempts to process specially constructed TGA files that contain malformed headers, incorrect data structures, or oversized memory allocations that exceed the application's intended buffer sizes. Such memory corruption occurs during the file parsing phase where the application fails to properly validate the dimensions, color depth, or compression methods specified within the TGA file format, leading to potential buffer overflows or heap corruption scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic memory corruption attack pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. When a malicious TGA file is processed by DesignReview.exe, the application's parsing routine does not adequately sanitize the input data, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the current process, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running DesignReview.exe. This process context limitation does not prevent significant damage, as the application typically runs with elevated privileges in professional design environments where users often have administrative rights.
The operational implications of CVE-2022-42938 extend beyond simple code execution, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of a multi-stage attack vector, potentially combining it with other weaknesses to achieve persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically involving social engineering to convince victims to open malicious TGA files through the DesignReview.exe application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where design professionals frequently share and review visual assets. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious files to gain initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-42938 should focus on multiple defensive layers including immediate patch deployment from the vendor, application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized TGA file processing, and network-based filtering to block suspicious file transfers. Organizations should implement strict input validation protocols and consider sandboxing mechanisms for image file processing to isolate potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should monitor for anomalous behavior patterns in DesignReview.exe processes and establish comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential code execution scenarios. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through techniques described in the exploit development community, emphasizing the need for robust memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of file processing applications to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other image handling components within the organization's software ecosystem.