CVE-2022-46347 in Parasolid
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in Parasolid V33.1 (All versions < V33.1.264), Parasolid V34.0 (All versions < V34.0.252), Parasolid V34.1 (All versions < V34.1.242), Parasolid V35.0 (All versions < V35.0.170). The affected applications contain an out of bounds write past the end of an allocated structure while parsing specially crafted X_B files. This could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-19079)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2023
This vulnerability exists within the Parasolid geometry kernel library which is widely used in computer-aided design applications across various industries including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when processing specially crafted X_B files, which are binary format files commonly used for exchanging 3D geometric data between different CAD systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Parasolid spanning from V33.1 through V35.0, with specific patch versions required to address the issue. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security concern as it allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems processing CAD data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper bounds checking during the parsing of X_B file structures. When the Parasolid library processes these binary files, it fails to validate the size or boundaries of allocated memory structures before writing data to them. This allows an attacker to craft malicious X_B files that cause the application to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical control data. The out-of-bounds write condition creates an exploitable scenario where an attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow, leading to potential code execution. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is classified as a critical weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only that an end user open a maliciously crafted file, making it a prime candidate for social engineering attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can compromise entire CAD workflows and potentially lead to significant financial and intellectual property losses. Organizations relying on Parasolid-based applications for design, engineering, and manufacturing processes face substantial risk from this vulnerability. Attackers could exploit this flaw to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive design data, or disrupt critical manufacturing operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where CAD files are shared between different organizations or downloaded from untrusted sources, as the attack surface expands significantly. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would be categorized under T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter - Python, though more accurately it would fall under T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, representing a classic privilege escalation scenario. The impact is amplified by the fact that many CAD applications run with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to achieve system-level compromise.
Organizations should immediately prioritize patching all affected versions of Parasolid to mitigate this vulnerability, with specific attention to upgrading to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory. System administrators should implement file validation measures and restrict the opening of CAD files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of systems that process CAD files. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that may be using affected Parasolid versions. The recommended mitigation strategy includes not only applying the vendor patches but also implementing application whitelisting controls and monitoring for unusual file processing activities. Regular security awareness training for design and engineering teams is essential to prevent accidental exploitation through malicious file attachments or downloads. Security teams should also consider implementing automated file scanning solutions that can detect and quarantine potentially malicious X_B files before they can be processed by vulnerable applications.