CVE-2023-39943 in Cobalt
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2025
In Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt versions prior to v12 SP2 Build (1204.200), the affected application lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing XE files. This could lead to an out-of-bounds write. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-39943 affects Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt software versions prior to v12 SP2 Build 1204.200, representing a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation during XE file parsing operations. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the application processes user-supplied data without sufficient sanitization or bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the software's handling of extended file formats commonly used for data exchange and configuration within the application ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of XE files that contain malformed or specially crafted data structures. When the Cobalt application attempts to parse these files, it fails to validate the size or boundaries of data elements within the file structure, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds allocated memory boundaries. This out-of-bounds write condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution within the security context of the currently running process, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or compromise the entire application environment.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt for design and engineering workflows, particularly those that process external data files or collaborate with third-party vendors who may unknowingly provide malicious XE files. The attack surface expands when considering that XE files are commonly used for data exchange, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where file sharing and collaboration are frequent activities. The potential for remote code execution within the application context means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical engineering processes.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised application process. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched v12 SP2 Build 1204.200 or later versions, implementing strict file validation procedures for incoming XE files, and establishing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing patterns and potential exploitation attempts within the application environment.