CVE-2021-41537 in Solid Edge SE2021
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2021 (All versions < SE2021MP8). The affected application contains a use-after-free vulnerability while parsing OBJ files. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process (ZDI-CAN-13789).
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-41537 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Siemens Solid Edge SE2021 software, specifically affecting all versions prior to SE2021MP8. This issue arises during the parsing of OBJ files, which are commonly used 3D model exchange formats in computer-aided design environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process, effectively providing attackers with elevated privileges and system access. The flaw demonstrates the classic characteristics of a use-after-free vulnerability where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, creating opportunities for memory corruption and potential exploitation. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in CAD applications like Solid Edge, which are frequently used in industrial and engineering environments where they handle sensitive design data and may run with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management during OBJ file processing within the Solid Edge application. When parsing OBJ files, the application allocates memory for various data structures and objects, but fails to properly validate or manage the lifecycle of these memory regions. This inadequate memory management leads to a situation where freed memory locations are accessed after the original allocation has been released, creating a race condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a Use After Free condition, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been consistently identified in numerous applications over the years. The specific nature of the flaw suggests that the application does not properly track object references or implement proper memory deallocation checks, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's memory state through carefully crafted OBJ files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise within the Solid Edge environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Solid Edge process, which may include administrative rights depending on how the application is configured and deployed. This creates a significant risk for organizations that use Solid Edge in their engineering and design workflows, particularly in manufacturing and industrial control systems where these applications may be exposed to untrusted input from external sources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because OBJ files are commonly exchanged between different CAD applications and can be embedded in various project files or downloaded from third-party sources, making the attack surface quite broad. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the application's legitimate interfaces. The impact is further amplified in environments where Solid Edge is used with networked collaboration features or integrated with other enterprise systems, potentially enabling lateral movement and escalation of privileges.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the vendor-provided patch or update to Solid Edge SE2021MP8 or later versions. System administrators should also consider implementing strict file validation controls and limiting the execution of untrusted OBJ files within the Solid Edge environment. Network segmentation and access controls can help reduce the potential impact of exploitation by limiting the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to systems running Solid Edge applications. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing activities or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of Solid Edge and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices for memory safety and should include code reviews focused on memory management practices to prevent similar use-after-free conditions in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.