CVE-2023-24581 in Solid Edge SE2022
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2022 (All versions < V2210Update12), Solid Edge SE2022 (All versions), Solid Edge SE2023 (All versions < V2023Update2). The affected application contains a use-after-free vulnerability that could be triggered while parsing specially crafted STP files. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-19425)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2023
This vulnerability exists within Siemens Solid Edge software versions prior to specific update releases, representing a critical use-after-free flaw that can be exploited through maliciously crafted STP (STEP) files. The issue stems from improper memory management during the parsing process of these industrial design files, where the application fails to properly validate or manage memory references after objects have been freed, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects both Solid Edge SE2022 and SE2023 product lines, with specific version thresholds indicating that updates V2210Update12 and V2023Update2 respectively address this concern.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Solid Edge application processes specially crafted STEP files that contain malformed data structures designed to trigger the use-after-free condition. When the parser encounters these malicious inputs, it attempts to access memory locations that have already been deallocated, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate the program's execution flow. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute malicious code within the context of the currently running Solid Edge process, which typically operates with the privileges of the authenticated user. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-416 Use After Free, a well-documented weakness that frequently leads to remote code execution in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to industrial design environments where Solid Edge is commonly deployed. Attackers could potentially compromise entire design workflows by introducing malicious files into shared repositories or through social engineering campaigns targeting design teams. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where design files are frequently exchanged between different stakeholders, as a single compromised file could affect multiple users across different systems. The use-after-free condition creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, making it a high-priority concern for organizations maintaining critical design infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory software updates to the patched versions, network segmentation to limit file exchange between trusted and untrusted environments, and enhanced file validation procedures for incoming design assets. Security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious file transfer patterns and consider implementing sandboxed environments for processing untrusted STEP files. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter for Windows Scripting, as exploitation may involve execution of malicious code through compromised applications, and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, given the remote code execution capabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar memory corruption issues in other industrial design software and CAD applications that may be susceptible to similar exploitation patterns.