CVE-2021-46154 in Simcenter Femap
Summary
by MITRE • 02/09/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in Simcenter Femap V2020.2 (All versions), Simcenter Femap V2021.1 (All versions). Affected application contains a stack based buffer overflow vulnerability while parsing NEU files. This could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-14646, ZDI-CAN-14679, ZDI-CAN-15084, ZDI-CAN-15304)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2022
This vulnerability exists in Siemens Simcenter Femap versions 2020.2 and 2021.1 where a stack-based buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of NEU files. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing maliciously crafted NEU file structures. Attackers can leverage this weakness by preparing a specially crafted NEU file that triggers the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow corrupts the program's execution stack, which can be manipulated to redirect program control flow. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a serious weakness in software security design. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it suitable for social engineering campaigns or targeted attacks against engineering teams who regularly work with finite element analysis data files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to engineering workstations. Engineers working with complex finite element models often store sensitive design data, proprietary calculations, and intellectual property within these applications. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to access, modify, or exfiltrate confidential engineering information. The attack surface is particularly wide in environments where multiple users collaborate on engineering projects, as the malicious file could be introduced through email attachments, shared network drives, or compromised third-party software distributions. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the exploitation may involve JavaScript-based payload delivery or manipulation of file parsing routines. The affected applications typically run with elevated privileges due to their role in engineering analysis, which compounds the security risk. Organizations using these versions should immediately assess their exposure and implement defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected software versions to the latest available releases from Siemens. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for NEU files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted networks. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious file operations involving the vulnerable applications. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training for engineering teams to recognize potentially malicious file attachments and implement application whitelisting where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and memory management, which should be integrated into software development lifecycle processes. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of engineering environments can help identify similar weaknesses in other applications used in the design and simulation workflow. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unexpected process execution, file modifications, or network communications from the affected applications.