CVE-2022-46348 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-19383)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2022-46348 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Parasolid software versions spanning multiple release lines including V33.1, V34.0, V34.1, and V35.0. This issue specifically manifests during the parsing of X_B files, which are binary file formats commonly used for exchanging 3D geometric data between CAD applications. The flaw occurs when the software processes malformed input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write classification, which is a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently ranked among the most dangerous software defects by the CWE project. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through crafted file manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the Parasolid parsing engine responsible for processing X_B file structures. When the software encounters specially crafted input data that exceeds expected buffer boundaries, it fails to properly validate the input size before writing to memory locations beyond the allocated structure. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple major versions of Parasolid, indicating a widespread issue within the software architecture that was not properly addressed through the affected release lines. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory layout that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous industries that rely on Parasolid for 3D CAD modeling and data exchange, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious X_B files through various attack vectors such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The remote code execution capability means that an attacker could compromise systems simply by having a user open a crafted file, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where CAD data is frequently shared. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to intellectual property and operational continuity since it could enable attackers to gain persistent access to critical design data and systems. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it suitable for social engineering campaigns.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches for Parasolid versions V33.1.264, V34.0.252, V34.1.242, and V35.0.170 as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Until patches are applied, administrators should implement strict file validation procedures, particularly for X_B files received from untrusted sources, and consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability should be prioritized in security assessments and incident response planning, as it could lead to complete system compromise if exploited successfully. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls to restrict execution of potentially vulnerable Parasolid applications and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized file processing activities. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices for memory safety vulnerabilities and incorporate defense-in-depth strategies to reduce the attack surface.