CVE-2014-100014 in Product Data Management
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in pdmwService.exe in SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 2014 SP2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a (1) 2001, (2) 2002, or (3) 2003 opcode to port 3000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-100014 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the pdmwService.exe component of SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 2014 SP2. This vulnerability exists in the network service that listens on port 3000 and processes specific opcodes numbered 2001, 2002, and 2003. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the service's handling of network requests, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote code execution. The affected service operates as a core component of SolidWorks' product data management system, which is widely used in engineering and manufacturing environments for managing design data and collaborative workflows. This vulnerability specifically targets the service's parsing logic for incoming network commands, where user-supplied data is directly copied into fixed-size stack buffers without proper size verification.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where an attacker can craft malicious network packets containing excessively long strings in the designated opcodes. When the pdmwService.exe processes these malformed requests, the oversized input overflows the allocated stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates over a network port, making it remotely accessible to attackers without requiring local system access. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the service typically runs with elevated privileges, potentially allowing successful exploitation to result in full system compromise. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant concern for the attack surface model defined by MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to engineering networks that often contain sensitive intellectual property, design specifications, and proprietary product information. Organizations using SolidWorks Workgroup PDM are particularly at risk because these systems typically serve as central repositories for critical design data and often contain systems with high-value assets. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of engineering workflows. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, establish persistent access, or escalate privileges within the network environment. The remote nature of the attack means that organizations may not be immediately aware of compromise, as the exploitation can occur without direct user interaction or visible network anomalies. Additionally, the vulnerability affects a widely deployed enterprise software solution, making it an attractive target for both nation-state actors and organized cybercriminal groups seeking to access engineering and manufacturing environments.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, starting with network segmentation and access control measures to restrict access to port 3000. The most effective immediate mitigation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, which typically include input validation improvements and buffer size restrictions. Network administrators should consider implementing firewall rules that block access to port 3000 from untrusted networks and restrict access to only necessary internal systems. Regular security assessments and network monitoring should be conducted to detect any anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System hardening practices, including running the service with minimal required privileges and implementing application whitelisting, can further reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's characteristics align with the need for robust input validation practices as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks, emphasizing the critical importance of defensive coding techniques to prevent such memory corruption vulnerabilities from being exploited in enterprise environments.