CVE-2023-25140 in Parasolid
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in Parasolid V34.0 (All versions < V34.0.254), Parasolid V34.1 (All versions < V34.1.242), Parasolid V35.0 (All versions < V35.0.170), Parasolid V35.1 (All versions < V35.1.150), Solid Edge SE2022 (All versions < V2210Update12). The affected applications contain an out of bounds read past the end of an allocated structure while parsing specially crafted PAR files. This could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25140 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Parasolid geometry kernel components that are widely deployed in CAD software applications. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Parasolid V34.0, V34.1, V35.0, and V35.1, as well as Solid Edge SE2022, specifically targeting versions prior to their respective security patches. The flaw manifests during the parsing of specially crafted PAR files, which are binary geometry files commonly used in computer-aided design workflows. This issue falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a significant security risk that could be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the running application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking during PAR file parsing operations within the Parasolid kernel. When an application processes a maliciously crafted PAR file, the parsing routine fails to validate array boundaries or structure limits, allowing memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption condition can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where Parasolid handles geometric data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise CAD environments that are often used in enterprise and industrial settings.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-25140 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on CAD systems. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive design data, potentially compromising intellectual property or critical engineering assets. The vulnerability affects applications that process external geometry files, which are commonly encountered in collaborative design environments, making it particularly dangerous in networked CAD systems where users frequently exchange design files. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate program execution through manipulation of loaded libraries, and could also enable further lateral movement within compromised networks where CAD systems are integrated with other enterprise applications.
Organizations utilizing affected Parasolid versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to the patched versions of Parasolid V34.0.254, V34.1.242, V35.0.170, V35.1.150, and Solid Edge SE2022 Update 12 or later. Additionally, security teams should implement file validation procedures to filter incoming PAR files, particularly those from untrusted sources, and consider deploying application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of potentially malicious files. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit access to CAD environments, and monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous file processing activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of supply chain security in engineering software environments where third-party components can introduce systemic risks that affect entire organizations.