CVE-2020-28381 in Solid Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 01/13/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2020 (All Versions < SE2020MP12), Solid Edge SE2021 (All Versions < SE2021MP2). Affected applications lack proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing PAR files. This could result in an out of bounds write into uninitialized memory. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-28381 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Siemens Solid Edge software versions prior to specific maintenance releases. This flaw exists within the parsing mechanism of PAR files, which are commonly used for storing project data and configurations within the Solid Edge ecosystem. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied PAR file content without adequate input validation, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The issue falls under the category of improper input validation, a fundamental weakness that has been consistently identified as a primary attack vector in software security assessments and is classified as CWE-129 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write operation that occurs when the software attempts to store data beyond the allocated memory boundaries for PAR file parsing. This memory corruption vulnerability allows an attacker to write data into uninitialized memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program structures or executable code. The vulnerability specifically targets the process execution context, enabling remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged to gain full control over the affected system. The nature of this flaw means that an attacker could craft a malicious PAR file that, when opened by an unpatched Solid Edge application, would trigger the memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running process. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the application level without requiring elevated system privileges, making it accessible to attackers with minimal initial access requirements.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-28381 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of engineering and design workflows that rely on Solid Edge software. Organizations using affected versions of Solid Edge face significant risks including potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of critical design processes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Solid Edge is used for sensitive product development work, as it could enable attackers to access proprietary designs, intellectual property, or confidential engineering data. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 tactic for command and control, where adversaries establish persistent access through code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically just opening a malicious PAR file, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns or automated exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-28381 should focus on immediate patch application to the affected Solid Edge versions, with organizations prioritizing updates to SE2020MP12 or SE2021MP2 releases that contain the necessary fixes. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for PAR files received from external sources or untrusted parties, and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting controls to restrict execution of unauthorized software, maintaining regular backups of critical design data, and conducting security awareness training for users who handle sensitive engineering files. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution in application contexts.