CVE-2020-26997 in Solid Edge SE2020
Summary
by MITRE • 04/23/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2020 (All versions < SE2020MP13), Solid Edge SE2020 (SE2020MP13), Solid Edge SE2021 (All Versions < SE2021MP4). Affected applications lack proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing PAR files. This could lead to pointer dereferences of a value obtained from untrusted source. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-11919)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2021
This vulnerability exists in Siemens Solid Edge software versions prior to specific maintenance releases, representing a critical code execution flaw that stems from inadequate input validation during PAR file parsing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the affected applications process user-supplied PAR files without proper sanitization of input data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory access patterns through crafted file content. The flaw specifically involves improper validation of pointers derived from untrusted sources, which can result in arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where an application accesses memory beyond its intended boundaries, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the parsing of PAR files which contain parameter data used by Solid Edge applications for various operations including assembly management and geometric calculations. When an attacker crafts a malicious PAR file with specially constructed pointer values, the application's parsing logic fails to validate these inputs before dereferencing them, potentially causing the application to execute code at arbitrary memory locations. This memory corruption vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users are tricked into opening malicious PAR files, or through automated exploitation in environments where file processing occurs without proper user interaction. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level without requiring elevated privileges, as the exploitation occurs within the context of the user's existing session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the application environment and potentially access sensitive data or system resources. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, modify critical design files, or gain unauthorized access to confidential engineering data that forms the core of enterprise intellectual property. The vulnerability affects multiple Solid Edge versions and maintenance releases, indicating a widespread exposure across the product line, and the fact that it operates through standard file processing mechanisms makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users regularly open various file types. Organizations using Solid Edge software in production environments face significant risk of data compromise or system compromise, particularly in scenarios where users have the ability to process files from untrusted sources or when automated systems process user-uploaded content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates to the latest maintenance releases that contain the necessary patches for proper input validation. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious files, while network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing activities or attempts to execute code within Solid Edge processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in preventing memory corruption attacks and aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other software applications that process user-supplied data.