CVE-2014-100015 in Product Data Management
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in pdmwService.exe in SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 2014 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename in a file upload.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-100015 affects SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 2014's pdmwService.exe component, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate file operations through crafted input. This vulnerability resides within the file upload functionality of the software, specifically in how it processes filename parameters containing directory traversal sequences. The flaw allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and write files to arbitrary locations on the target system, potentially leading to unauthorized system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper input validation in the pdmwService.exe service when handling file upload requests. Attackers can construct malicious filenames containing double dot sequences such as ..\..\\ or similar traversal patterns that, when processed by the vulnerable service, result in unintended file system operations. The service fails to sanitize or validate the filename parameter, allowing the traversal sequences to be interpreted by the underlying operating system as commands to navigate directories beyond the intended upload location. This flaw effectively removes the security boundaries that should prevent users from writing files outside of designated directories, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file creation, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system resources and data. Remote exploitation allows malicious actors to upload malicious files such as web shells, backdoors, or other payloads that can be executed on the target system. The vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access to the network environment. Additionally, the affected SolidWorks Workgroup PDM system may contain sensitive engineering data, design files, and intellectual property that could be accessed or modified by unauthorized users. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that expose the service to external networks.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that fix the directory traversal flaw in the pdmwService.exe component. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the affected PDM systems from general network access, reducing the attack surface and limiting potential lateral movement. Input validation controls should be strengthened at the application level to reject any filename parameters containing directory traversal sequences, with proper sanitization of all user-supplied data. Access controls should be reviewed and implemented to ensure that only authorized users can perform file upload operations, and that upload directories have restricted permissions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as attackers may leverage the ability to write arbitrary files to establish persistent access. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect suspicious file upload activities and potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications and systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.