CVE-2023-38075 in Teamcenter Visualization
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in JT2Go (All versions < V14.3.0.1), Teamcenter Visualization V13.3 (All versions < V13.3.0.12), Teamcenter Visualization V14.0 (All versions), Teamcenter Visualization V14.1 (All versions < V14.1.0.11), Teamcenter Visualization V14.2 (All versions < V14.2.0.6), Teamcenter Visualization V14.3 (All versions < V14.3.0.1). The affected application contains a use-after-free vulnerability that could be triggered while parsing specially crafted WRL files. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-20842)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in multiple Teamcenter Visualization and JT2Go applications, specifically affecting versions prior to their respective security patches. The flaw manifests during the parsing of specially crafted WRL (World file format) files, which are commonly used for 3D model exchange and visualization. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, representing a classic use-after-free scenario where memory previously allocated to a variable is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential for arbitrary code execution. The affected software ecosystem includes Teamcenter Visualization V13.3 through V14.3 across multiple minor versions, indicating a widespread exposure across the product line.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the affected applications process maliciously constructed WRL files that trigger a memory management error. When the parser encounters malformed data structures within these files, it may free memory associated with certain objects while subsequently attempting to access that same memory location, leading to a situation where attackers can manipulate the freed memory to execute malicious code with the privileges of the running process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime target for zero-day exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through memory corruption, specifically leveraging the application's failure to properly manage memory resources during file parsing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems running the affected software. Organizations using these visualization tools for engineering, design, and manufacturing processes face significant risk, particularly in environments where 3D model files are shared across networks or downloaded from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects both desktop and potentially server-side installations, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors. The use-after-free condition can lead to system crashes, data corruption, or complete system compromise depending on the execution environment. Security teams must consider the broader implications for their industrial control systems and CAD environments, where these visualization tools are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected versions, as the vendor has released security updates addressing the specific memory management issues in the WRL file parser. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies for any WRL files received from external sources, including sandboxed processing environments and automated malware scanning. Network segmentation can help limit the potential spread of exploitation within organizational networks, while monitoring for unusual file processing activities may help detect attempted exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in file format parsers, particularly regarding memory management and input validation, aligning with industry standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of visualization software and third-party file format support should be part of ongoing security hygiene practices to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software supply chain.