CVE-2022-41663: Use-After-Free Vulnerability in JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization Software

A newly discovered vulnerability (CVE-2022-41663) has been found to affect multiple versions of JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization software. This vulnerability is categorized as a use-after-free issue and can be exploited by an attacker to execute malicious code within the context of the current process. Researchers have identified that this flaw can be triggered by parsing specially crafted CGM files. It is essential for users and administrators of the affected software to be aware of this vulnerability and apply the necessary patches promptly to ensure their systems remain secure.

Exploit Details

The vulnerability lies in the way the affected applications handle memory allocation while parsing CGM files. The affected software fails to properly manage memory, which could lead to a use-after-free vulnerability. An attacker could craft a malicious CGM file that triggers this vulnerability and potentially execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to create a specially crafted CGM file and get the victim to open it using the vulnerable software. The exploit process could potentially look like this:

1. Create a malicious CGM file containing specially crafted data that will trigger the use-after-free issue in the affected software.

Send this CGM file to the victim, either through email or other file-sharing means.

3. The victim opens the malicious CGM file using the vulnerable JT2Go or Teamcenter Visualization application.
4. The use-after-free vulnerability is triggered, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.

Please note that, while this exploit outline provides a general idea of how the vulnerability could be exploited, the actual exploit code would need to be tailored specifically to the version of the affected software being used.

Code Snippet Example

To give you a better understanding of how a use-after-free vulnerability works, consider the following simple example:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main() {
    int *ptr = (int*) malloc(sizeof(int));
    *ptr = 42;

    free(ptr); // Memory is released but ptr still contains the address

    *ptr = 13; // Writing to the memory location after it has been freed - Use-after-free

    return ;
}

In this simple example, a memory block is allocated using malloc, but the issue occurs after calling free. The pointer still contains the address of the memory block, which is then written to, causing a use-after-free vulnerability.

Links to Original References

- MITRE CVE: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-41663
- NIST National Vulnerability Database: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-41663

Recommendations

Users and administrators of affected JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization versions are strongly encouraged to update their software to the latest patched versions provided by the vendor:

Teamcenter Visualization V14.1: Update to V14.1..4 or later

It is also essential to practice safe browsing habits and be cautious when opening files from untrusted sources to minimize the risks associated with such vulnerabilities.

Timeline

Published on: 11/08/2022 11:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/08/2022 16:29:00 UTC