CVE-2021-25678
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Solid Edge CAD software allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper validation of PAR files. It affects Solid Edge SE2020 and SE2021 versions before specific maintenance packs. Attackers can leverage this to run malicious code within the current process context.
💻 Affected Systems
- Solid Edge SE2020
- Solid Edge SE2021
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through remote code execution, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or code execution when a user opens a malicious PAR file, potentially compromising the workstation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application whitelisting, file validation, and user awareness preventing malicious file execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious PAR files. No public exploit code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: SE2020MP13/SE2020MP14 for SE2020, SE2021MP4 for SE2021
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-574442.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the appropriate maintenance pack from Siemens support portal. 2. Close all Solid Edge applications. 3. Run the maintenance pack installer. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block PAR file execution
windowsUse application control or group policy to block execution of PAR files in Solid Edge.
User awareness training
allTrain users not to open PAR files from untrusted sources.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized Solid Edge execution
- Use network segmentation to isolate Solid Edge workstations from critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Solid Edge version in Help > About. If version is SE2020 before MP13/MP14 or SE2021 before MP4, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via Solid Edge GUI Help > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows SE2020MP13/MP14 or SE2021MP4 or higher in Help > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Solid Edge crash logs with memory access violations
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected Solid Edge process termination
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Solid Edge process
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process is Solid Edge and command line contains .par file extension