CVE-2022-46295
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-46295 is a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Open Babel's Gaussian file format parser that allows arbitrary code execution when processing malicious files. This affects Open Babel 3.1.1 and development versions, potentially impacting any system or application that uses Open Babel for chemical file format conversion. Attackers can exploit this by providing specially crafted files to trigger the vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Open Babel
📦 What is this software?
Open Babel by Openbabel
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with arbitrary code execution leading to complete control of the affected system, data theft, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to application compromise, data exfiltration, or installation of malware/backdoors on systems processing untrusted Gaussian files.
If Mitigated
Denial of service or application crash if memory protections prevent code execution, though exploitation is still possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only a malicious file to be processed by vulnerable Open Babel instances. The vulnerability is well-documented with public technical details.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Open Babel 3.1.2 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/openbabel/openbabel/security/advisories/GHSA-5r5m-65gx-8j4v
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Open Babel to version 3.1.2 or later. 2. Restart any services or applications using Open Babel. 3. Verify the update was successful by checking the version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Gaussian file format processing
allConfigure Open Babel to reject or skip Gaussian file format processing if not required
# Configuration depends on how Open Babel is integrated. Check application-specific settings.
Input validation and sanitization
allImplement strict validation of Gaussian files before processing with Open Babel
# Implement file validation logic in your application before passing to Open Babel
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can submit files for processing
- Deploy Open Babel in isolated containers or sandboxes with minimal privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Open Babel version: if version is 3.1.1 or development version with commit 530dbfa3 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
obabel -VVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Open Babel version is 3.1.2 or later using 'obabel -V' or equivalent version check command.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes or abnormal termination when processing Gaussian files
- Memory access violation errors in application logs
- Unexpected process creation from Open Babel
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems running Open Babel
- File uploads to Open Babel services followed by suspicious activity
SIEM Query:
Process: (obabel OR openbabel) AND (EventID: 1000 OR "access violation" OR "segmentation fault")