CVE-2024-24920 in Simcenter Femap
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2024
A vulnerability has been identified in Simcenter Femap (All versions < V2401.0000). The affected application contains an out of bounds write past the end of an allocated buffer while parsing a specially crafted Catia MODEL file. This could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current process. (ZDI-CAN-21710)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-24920 affects Simcenter Femap software versions prior to V2401.0000 and represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that occurs during the parsing of specially crafted Catia MODEL files. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where simulation software is widely deployed. The issue stems from inadequate bounds checking within the file parsing routine, specifically when processing the structured data contained within Catia MODEL format files. Such files are commonly used in computer-aided engineering and product design workflows, making the attack vector particularly relevant to industries relying on these simulation tools.
The technical flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write operation that occurs when the application attempts to process a malformed Catia MODEL file. This condition allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that directly enables privilege escalation and code execution attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the currently running process, which typically corresponds to the user account running the Simcenter Femap application. This represents a significant operational risk as the application often runs with elevated privileges in engineering environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it can compromise entire engineering workflows and potentially lead to data breaches or system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive design data, manipulate simulation results, or establish persistent access points within engineering networks. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening or processing the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where design files are frequently shared between teams. Organizations using older versions of Simcenter Femap are particularly at risk since the vulnerability exists in all versions prior to V2401.0000, and the software is commonly used in critical infrastructure sectors including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing where the integrity of simulation data is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24920 should prioritize immediate software updates to the patched version V2401.0000 or later, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all incoming Catia MODEL files, particularly in environments where untrusted files may be processed. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to file processing activities and implement application whitelisting where possible to prevent execution of unauthorized code. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as exploitation could involve manipulation of automation scripts that process engineering files. Additionally, the issue demonstrates characteristics of T1547.001 Registry Run Keys and Startup Folder, as attackers might attempt to establish persistence through legitimate software interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying suspicious file parsing activities and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.