CVE-2023-2762 in SolidWorks
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
A Use-After-Free vulnerability in SLDPRT file reading procedure exists in SOLIDWORKS Desktop from Release SOLIDWORKS 2021 through Release SOLIDWORKS 2023. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code while opening a specially crafted SLDPRT file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2762 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the SLDPRT file processing functionality of SOLIDWORKS Desktop software across releases 2021 through 2023. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory locations after they have been freed or deallocated, creating opportunities for memory corruption and potential code execution. The issue specifically manifests during the parsing and rendering of SLDPRT files, which are the standard file format used by SOLIDWORKS for storing part data and geometric information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered simply by opening a maliciously crafted SLDPRT file, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit users in enterprise environments where SOLIDWORKS is widely deployed.
From a technical perspective, this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the file parsing routine that handles SLDPRT format structures. When the software processes certain malformed or specially constructed file elements, it may free memory associated with specific data structures while still maintaining references to those locations. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses Use After Free conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper memory handling can create persistent security risks in complex CAD software environments. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction since the exploitation occurs during routine file opening operations, making it particularly dangerous in corporate settings where users frequently exchange design files.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2762 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to systems through various attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability can facilitate initial access through social engineering campaigns targeting engineers and designers who regularly handle SLDPRT files, potentially leading to lateral movement within networks and privilege escalation. In enterprise environments where SOLIDWORKS is used extensively for product design and engineering, this vulnerability could provide attackers with access to sensitive intellectual property and design data. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the widespread use of SOLIDWORKS across industries including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where the software's integration into design workflows makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise critical design infrastructure.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation through official patches provided by SOLIDWORKS, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file validation procedures and establishing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying application control measures to restrict execution of potentially malicious files and implement monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of only opening files from trusted sources and maintaining current software versions to minimize exposure windows. The vulnerability's classification as a use-after-free condition makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through techniques such as heap spraying and return-oriented programming, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching approaches.