CVE-2021-41540 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-13776).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-41540 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Siemens Solid Edge SE2021 software versions prior to MP8, demonstrating a classic memory safety issue that has significant implications for industrial automation and design environments. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the parsing of OBJ files, which are commonly used 3D model exchange formats in computer-aided design applications. The flaw occurs when the application processes malformed OBJ file structures, leading to improper memory management where freed memory regions are accessed after deallocation. Such memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution within the application's security context, effectively allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the running Solid Edge process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and represents a direct exploitation of memory safety issues that have been systematically addressed through modern programming practices and memory protection mechanisms. The attack vector specifically targets the OBJ file parser component of Solid Edge, which is commonly used for importing 3D models from various sources including third-party design tools and collaborative platforms. When an attacker crafts a malicious OBJ file that triggers the use-after-free condition, the application's memory management becomes compromised, potentially allowing the execution of shellcode or other malicious instructions in the context of the current process. This represents a privilege escalation scenario where the attacker gains execution rights within the application's security boundaries without requiring elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-41540 extends beyond simple code execution, as it affects the integrity and confidentiality of design data within industrial environments where Solid Edge is commonly deployed. These applications are typically used in manufacturing, engineering, and product development scenarios where sensitive intellectual property and proprietary designs reside, making the potential for data exfiltration or system compromise particularly concerning. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to design files, modification of critical engineering data, or even disruption of production workflows in manufacturing environments. Organizations using Solid Edge in their design processes face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could be leveraged by adversaries to gain persistent access to their design environments or to disrupt critical design operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch or update to Solid Edge SE2021 MP8, which addresses the memory management issues in the OBJ file parser. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Solid Edge installations to untrusted networks or users. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing file validation mechanisms that scan OBJ files for known malicious patterns before processing, though this approach may not fully address the underlying memory safety issue. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and the need for robust memory safety practices in industrial software environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized software that might attempt to exploit similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in their design and engineering environments.