CVE-2025-40741 in Solid Edge SE2025
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2025 (All versions < V225.0 Update 5). The affected applications contain a stack based overflow vulnerability while parsing specially crafted CFG 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 • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-40741 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Siemens Solid Edge SE2025 software across all versions prior to V225.0 Update 5. This issue manifests during the parsing of specially crafted CFG configuration files, which are commonly used within the Solid Edge environment for storing application settings and user preferences. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the file parsing routine, where the application fails to properly bounds-check data read from external CFG files before storing it in stack-allocated buffers. This fundamental flaw creates an exploitable condition where maliciously constructed input can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the currently running process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than the buffer can hold. The attack vector specifically targets the configuration file parsing functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate file operations that users might encounter during normal software usage. Attackers could craft malicious CFG files that, when opened or processed by Solid Edge, would cause the stack overflow condition. The exploitation process would likely involve overwriting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data to redirect execution flow and inject malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Solid Edge is widely used for CAD operations, as it could enable attackers to gain persistent access to engineering workstations and potentially compromise entire design networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to intellectual property and operational security within organizations relying on Solid Edge for critical design work. The vulnerability could enable attackers to access sensitive engineering data, modify design files, or establish persistent backdoors on systems. Given that Solid Edge is commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and architecture, the potential for supply chain attacks or industrial espionage increases substantially. The vulnerability affects all versions of Solid Edge SE2025 prior to V225.0 Update 5, meaning organizations using these older versions face immediate risk without proper mitigation measures. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that configuration files are often shared between users or automatically generated during normal software operation, making it difficult to predict or prevent exploitation through simple user awareness training alone.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided update V225.0 Update 5 which addresses this specific buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing file access controls and monitoring for suspicious CFG file operations, particularly those originating from untrusted sources or exhibiting unusual patterns. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth layers to prevent exploitation even if a system is compromised. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter should be considered when developing incident response procedures, as exploitation may involve the execution of malicious code through the software's legitimate interfaces. Regular security assessments of engineering environments and user training on identifying potentially malicious configuration files can help reduce the attack surface and improve overall security posture. System administrators should also monitor for unusual process behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the stack-based nature of the vulnerability may produce detectable artifacts during exploitation attempts.