CVE-2024-33490 in Solid Edge
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge (All versions < V224.0 Update 5). 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 • 03/30/2025
This vulnerability exists in Siemens Solid Edge software versions prior to V224.0 Update 5 and represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. The flaw manifests during the parsing of specially crafted PAR files, which are typically used for storing design data and parameters within the Solid Edge environment. When the application attempts to process these malformed files, it reads memory beyond the boundaries of allocated data structures, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to manipulate program execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the PAR file parser component of Solid Edge. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that occur when a program attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the memory access level where attackers can potentially overwrite critical program structures or inject malicious code into the running process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing Solid Edge for engineering and design work, as it can be exploited through social engineering attacks targeting design files or by compromising supply chain components that might contain malicious PAR files. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running Solid Edge process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly wide given that PAR files are commonly shared between design teams and can be embedded in various project workflows.
The potential impact extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to execution and privilege escalation. The vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access through the execution of malicious payloads within the Solid Edge environment, potentially leading to data exfiltration or further network infiltration. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and file validation controls to limit the potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through the installation of V224.0 Update 5 or later versions that contain the necessary patches addressing the out-of-bounds read condition. Additionally, organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for PAR files received from external sources, deploy network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file access patterns, and consider restricting Solid Edge execution privileges to reduce potential impact. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough input validation in engineering software environments where memory safety is critical for maintaining application integrity and preventing exploitation of similar conditions in other components.