Siemens Solid Edge Vulnerabilities: Critical Security Update Required

In an age where cyber vulnerabilities seem to sprout like mushrooms after rain, Siemens' Solid Edge has been caught in a storm, with serious vulnerabilities already flagged. On November 14th, CISA announced critical security advisories regarding Siemens Solid Edge, particularly for versions of the software prior to V224.0 Update 9. Let's dig deeper into what this means for Windows users, makers, and industry professionals.

The Executive Summary: What's at Stake?​

• Severity: With a CVSS v4 base score of 7.3, the vulnerabilities lie in two significant categories:
• Out-of-bounds reads.
• Uncontrolled search path elements.

Both of these can potentially allow an attacker to crash the application or execute arbitrary code. Put simply, if you're utilizing older versions of Solid Edge, you're playing with fire.

The Vulnerability Breakdown​

1. Out-of-Bounds Read (CWE-125)​

This is not just a fancy technical term — it refers to a serious coding oversight. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to read data beyond its allocated memory space. Specifically, this can happen during the parsing of specially crafted PSM and PAR files, leading to the execution of unintended code.

• CVE Identifiers:
• CVE-2024-47940: Affected PSM files — CVSS v3 score 7.8.
• CVE-2024-47941: Affected PAR files — also a CVSS v3 score of 7.8.

Both vulnerabilities carry a CVSS v4 base score of 7.3, indicating significant risk.

2. Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427)​

This vulnerability is notorious for being a vector for DLL hijacking. An attacker could inject malicious code by simply placing a crafted DLL file on a system where Solid Edge is running.

• CVE Identifier:
• CVE-2024-47942 — Assigned a CVSS v3 base score of 7.3 and CVSS v4 score of 7.0, which is still quite serious.

Risk Evaluation: What Could Go Wrong?​

An exploitation of the identified vulnerabilities opens the door for attackers to do more than compromise applications. Imagine your CAD software suddenly crashing, or even worse, allowing an outsider to take over your machine from within the protected network. The stakes are high for critical manufacturing environments, where Solid Edge finds substantial use.

Mitigation Steps: Locking Down Vulnerabilities​

Immediate Actions​

To ensure you're not left vulnerable, Siemens recommends the following:

• Update: Move to V224.0 Update 9 or later.
• File Handling: Avoid opening untrusted PSM and PAR files, which introduces risk.

General Security Measures​

Beyond the immediate fixes:

• Restrict Network Access: Make sure your control system devices are not EXPOSED to the internet.
• Use Firewalls: Isolate control system networks from business networks.
• Secure Remote Access: When remote access is necessary, prefer VPNs that are updated to the latest versions.

CISA's Recommendations​

CISA provides extensive recommendations for organizations to follow, such as:

• Conducting robust impact analysis and risk assessments before deploying defensive measures.
• Ensuring secure internal processes are in place, particularly in light of emerging social engineering threats.

No Public Exploitation Yet​

Here’s a sliver of hope: Currently, there are no known public exploitations of these vulnerabilities. However, don't let your guard down. As vulnerabilities become known, it's only a matter of time before attackers look for an avenue for exploitation.

Conclusion: Keep Your Software Updated​

In a nutshell, if you’re running older versions of Siemens Solid Edge on your Windows systems, now is the time to act. The implications of failing to patch are not just limited to your software crashing but could encompass far-reaching security breaches and financial losses.
For critical manufacturing sectors, it's vital that businesses stay ahead of such vulnerabilities. So, update your software, heed the advice from Siemens and CISA, and keep your systems locked down tight.
By embracing a proactive approach to cybersecurity, you not only protect your creations but also the integrity of your entire operation. Remember that in the complex interplay of technology and threat, knowledge and vigilance are your best allies.

---

By taking these recommendations and insights to heart, users can significantly fortify their systems against potential threats posed by these vulnerabilities. So, don’t wait—make those updates today!

---

Source: CISA https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-24-319-05