CVE-2021-27387 in Simcenter Femap
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in Simcenter Femap 2020.2 (All versions < V2020.2.MP3), Simcenter Femap 2021.1 (All versions < V2021.1.MP3). The femap.exe application lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing FEMAP files. This could result in an out of bounds write past the end of an allocated structure, a different vulnerability than CVE-2021-27399. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-12819)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
This vulnerability exists within Siemens Simcenter Femap software versions prior to specific maintenance releases, representing a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the femap.exe application when processing FEMAP files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted file inputs. The vulnerability specifically manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the application attempts to parse user-supplied data without proper bounds checking, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory locations beyond the intended allocated structure.
The technical nature of this flaw places it squarely within the category of buffer overflow vulnerabilities, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds write operation that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions in software applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates within the context of the currently running process, meaning successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the legitimate user running the software. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through the normal file processing workflow, making it accessible to attackers who can convince victims to open maliciously crafted FEMAP files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to engineering and simulation environments where Simcenter Femap is commonly deployed. These applications are frequently used in critical infrastructure sectors including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where the compromise of simulation software could lead to widespread system compromise and potential physical safety risks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as simply opening a malicious FEMAP file could trigger the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where file sharing and collaboration are common practices. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the execution of malicious code through file format vulnerabilities.
Organizations utilizing Simcenter Femap software should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of available patches from Siemens, specifically targeting the maintenance releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to Femap versions 2020.2.MP3 or 2021.1.MP3, which contain the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit file sharing between trusted and untrusted environments can help reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider deploying application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized software and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their engineering environments to identify any other potentially vulnerable applications that might be susceptible to similar input validation flaws, particularly those handling complex file formats in industrial control systems and simulation environments.