CVE-2023-30985 in Solid Edge SE2023
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2023 (All versions < VX.223.0 Update 3), Solid Edge SE2023 (All versions < VX.223.0 Update 2). Affected applications contain an out of bounds read past the end of an allocated buffer while parsing a specially crafted OBJ file. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to disclose sensitive information. (ZDI-CAN-19426)
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2023
This vulnerability exists in Siemens Solid Edge SE2023 software versions prior to VX.223.0 Update 2 and VX.223.0 Update 3, representing a critical buffer overread condition that occurs during the parsing of maliciously crafted OBJ files. The flaw manifests as an out of bounds read operation that accesses memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating potential information disclosure risks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file parsing level, making it accessible through common attack vectors such as malicious file attachments or compromised websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the software's OBJ file parser failing to properly validate buffer boundaries during the parsing process. When processing specially crafted OBJ files, the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially exposing sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. This condition is classified as a memory safety issue that can be exploited through file-based attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could contain sensitive system information, credentials, or application data that could be leveraged for further attacks. Attackers could potentially extract memory addresses, encryption keys, or other confidential information that would aid in advanced persistent threat operations. This vulnerability affects the core functionality of Solid Edge SE2023, which is widely used in engineering and design environments where sensitive intellectual property and proprietary designs are stored. The exploitation of this flaw could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities in the same software ecosystem. Organizations using Solid Edge in enterprise environments face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could enable attackers to gain insights into internal systems and potentially facilitate more sophisticated attacks.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate application of the vendor-provided security patches for Solid Edge SE2023 versions prior to VX.223.0 Update 2 and VX.223.0 Update 3. Organizations should also implement strict file validation procedures and restrict the opening of OBJ files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface, while monitoring for suspicious file access patterns should be implemented. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file processing and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in CAD software environments. Additionally, regular security assessments of engineering and design systems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory safety issues that could exist in other software components.