CVE-2024-24922 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-21715)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-24922 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 issue falls under the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities and demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where an application fails to properly validate input data before writing to memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within a widely used finite element analysis software platform that is commonly employed in engineering and manufacturing environments where security controls may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise systems.
The technical flaw manifests when Simcenter Femap processes maliciously constructed Catia MODEL files that contain malformed data structures. During the parsing operation, the application attempts to write data beyond the confines of a pre-allocated memory buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including stack variables, return addresses, or other critical program data structures. This out-of-bounds write condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process, effectively allowing attackers to gain control over the application's execution flow. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses buffer overflow conditions that occur when a program writes to memory beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a privilege escalation vector that can be leveraged in various attack scenarios. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running Simcenter Femap, which in engineering environments might include administrative or domain user accounts. The attack requires the target user to open or process a specially crafted Catia file, making this a typical social engineering or supply chain attack vector. This vulnerability particularly affects industries relying on CAD/CAM/CAE software such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors where Simcenter Femap is commonly deployed, and where the compromise of engineering data could result in significant financial and operational losses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24922 should prioritize immediate software updates to version V2401.0000 or later, as provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all incoming Catia MODEL files and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms when processing untrusted files. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file transfer activities involving CAD file formats. Additionally, security awareness training should be reinforced for engineering teams to avoid opening untrusted files from unknown sources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the importance of application whitelisting and privilege separation measures. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all engineering workstations and servers running affected software versions.