CVE-2022-41288 is a vulnerability identified in Siemens JT2Go and several versions of Teamcenter Visualization software products prior to specific patch levels (JT2Go versions before 14.1.0.6, Teamcenter Visualization versions before 13.2.0.12, 13.3.0.8, 14.0.0.4, and 14.1.0.6). The vulnerability resides in the CGM_NIST_Loader.dll component, which is responsible for parsing CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) files. Specifically, this is a stack exhaustion vulnerability categorized under CWE-770, which refers to the allocation of resources without limits or throttling. When a specially crafted CGM file is processed, the application can exhaust the stack memory, leading to a crash of the application and thus causing a denial of service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction beyond opening or processing a malicious CGM file, which could be delivered via email, file sharing, or other means. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a risk to availability of the affected applications, which are used for visualization and collaboration in engineering and manufacturing environments. The lack of resource allocation limits in the CGM file parser means that an attacker can intentionally craft files that trigger excessive recursive or memory-intensive operations, exhausting the stack and causing the application to terminate unexpectedly. This can disrupt workflows, cause loss of productivity, and potentially impact dependent systems or processes that rely on these visualization tools.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors where Siemens JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization are widely used, this vulnerability could lead to significant operational disruptions. The denial of service condition can halt critical visualization and collaboration tasks, delaying product development cycles and impacting supply chains. Organizations that rely on these tools for design reviews, quality assurance, or compliance documentation may face interruptions that affect project timelines and contractual obligations. Additionally, if these applications are integrated into larger PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, the DoS could cascade, affecting broader enterprise processes. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact alone can be costly. Moreover, in environments where these visualization tools are exposed to untrusted users or external file submissions, the risk of exploitation increases. European organizations with remote collaboration setups or those accepting files from external partners are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits given the public disclosure.

1. Immediate application of Siemens’ patches or updates to JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization to versions 14.1.0.6 or later and the respective fixed versions for Teamcenter Visualization products is the most effective mitigation. 2. Implement strict file validation and filtering controls to block or quarantine CGM files from untrusted sources before they reach end-user systems. 3. Employ sandboxing or isolated environments for opening CGM files, limiting the impact of potential crashes. 4. Monitor application logs and system behavior for signs of abnormal crashes or resource exhaustion related to CGM file processing. 5. Educate users about the risks of opening CGM files from unknown or untrusted sources, emphasizing cautious handling of engineering files received via email or file sharing. 6. Where possible, restrict the use of JT2Go and Teamcenter Visualization to trusted internal networks and users, reducing exposure to malicious input. 7. Coordinate with Siemens support for any additional recommended hardening or configuration changes that limit resource consumption during file parsing. 8. Integrate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and incident response plans to ensure timely detection and remediation if exploitation attempts occur.