CVE-2021-43272 – This vulnerability allows remote code execution... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-43272?

CVE-2021-43272 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability allows remote code execution through malicious DWF files in Open Design Alliance ODA Viewer sample versions before 2022.11. Attackers can exploit improper exception handling to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. Organizations using affected ODA Viewer sample software are at risk.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows remote code execution through malicious DWF files in Open Design Alliance ODA Viewer sample versions before 2022.11. Attackers can exploit improper exception handling to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. Organizations using affected ODA Viewer sample software are at risk.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Open Design Alliance ODA Viewer sample

Versions: All versions before 2022.11

Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS (any platform running ODA Viewer)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: This affects the sample viewer application, not necessarily all ODA-based applications. However, any application using similar vulnerable ODA libraries could be affected.

📦 What is this software?

Oda Viewer by Opendesign

View all CVEs affecting Oda Viewer →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the ODA Viewer process, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.

🟠

Likely Case

Remote code execution leading to malware installation, data exfiltration, or system disruption.

🟢

If Mitigated

Denial of service or application crash if exploit attempts are blocked by security controls.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Attackers can deliver malicious DWF files through web applications, email, or file sharing services.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal users could inadvertently open malicious files, but attack surface is more limited.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious DWF file, but no authentication is needed. Multiple ZDI advisories suggest active exploitation is probable.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 2022.11 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://www.opendesign.com/security-advisories

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download ODA Viewer 2022.11 or later from Open Design Alliance. 2. Uninstall previous version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Restart system if prompted.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable DWF file association

windows

Prevent ODA Viewer from automatically opening DWF files

Windows: Use 'Default Programs' settings to change DWF file association to another program or 'Ask every time'

Application whitelisting

all

Restrict execution of ODA Viewer to trusted locations only

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement network segmentation to isolate systems running ODA Viewer
Deploy endpoint protection with behavior monitoring to detect exploit attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check ODA Viewer version in application Help > About menu or examine installed program version in system settings.

Check Version:

Windows: wmic product where name="ODA Viewer" get version
Linux: Check application version in GUI or package manager

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm version is 2022.11 or higher and test opening known safe DWF files to ensure functionality.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Application crashes with DWF file processing
Unusual process spawning from ODA Viewer
Failed exception handling events in application logs

Network Indicators:

Downloads of DWF files from untrusted sources
Outbound connections from ODA Viewer to suspicious IPs

SIEM Query:

source="ODA Viewer" AND (event_type="crash" OR process_name="cmd.exe" OR process_name="powershell.exe")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-43272

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-755

Published: November 14, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.opendesign.com/security-advisories Vendor Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1358/ Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1360/ Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1363/ Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.opendesign.com/security-advisories Vendor Advisory
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1358/ Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1360/ Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1363/ Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2021-43272, you might also want to check these: