CVE-2023-24979 in Tecnomatix Plant Simulation
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in Tecnomatix Plant Simulation (All versions < V2201.0006). The affected application contains an out of bounds write past the end of an allocated buffer while parsing a specially crafted SPP file. This could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-19789)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-24979 affects Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software version 2201.0006 and earlier, representing a critical buffer overflow condition that arises during the parsing of specially crafted SPP files. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write operation that extends beyond the allocated memory buffer boundaries, creating a potential exploitation vector for remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's file parsing mechanism, where improper bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the SPP file parser component of the Plant Simulation application. When processing maliciously formatted SPP files, the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming data before attempting to write to memory locations. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw operates at the application layer, requiring no special privileges beyond normal user access to trigger the vulnerable code path.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it could enable attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the running process, potentially compromising the entire simulation environment. In industrial settings where Tecnomatix Plant Simulation is deployed for manufacturing process modeling and optimization, such an exploit could lead to significant operational disruption, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive process information. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers could potentially compromise systems without physical access, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where such simulation tools are widely used for production planning and process optimization.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to version 2201.0006 or later, as provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement strict file validation controls and restrict the execution of untrusted SPP files through network segmentation and access controls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting user permissions to prevent privilege escalation through exploitation. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing activities, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial automation software, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, which are commonly associated with buffer overflow exploitation scenarios in industrial environments.