CVE-2023-24987 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-19809)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-24987 affects Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software versions prior to V2201.0006, representing a critical security flaw that stems from improper input validation during file parsing operations. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the application processes a specially crafted SPP file format, which is commonly used for storing simulation data and configurations within the plant simulation environment. The vulnerability resides in the software's handling of structured data files that contain complex manufacturing process simulations, making it particularly dangerous in industrial automation contexts where such simulations are routinely processed.
The technical flaw constitutes a classic buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-787, where the application fails to properly validate the size and boundaries of data structures during parsing operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious SPP file with malformed data structures, the parsing routine attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption creates an exploitable condition that allows arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process, effectively granting attackers the same privileges as the simulation application itself. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the victim to open or process the malicious file, making social engineering or supply chain compromise potential attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial environments that rely on Tecnomatix Plant Simulation for manufacturing process modeling and optimization. Attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to critical manufacturing data, manipulate simulation results to cause production disruptions, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks. The affected environment typically includes manufacturing facilities, engineering design centers, and production planning departments where process simulation data is regularly exchanged and processed. Given that many industrial control systems operate in closed networks with limited security monitoring, this vulnerability could enable attackers to move laterally within industrial networks or target connected operational technology systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-24987 should prioritize immediate software updates to version V2201.0006 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all SPP files received from external sources, including digital signature verification and content scanning before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of affected systems, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing patterns or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation may involve executing malicious code through the compromised simulation application. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems and implement defense-in-depth strategies that include regular security updates, privileged access controls, and network monitoring to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.