CVE-2021-41537
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in Solid Edge SE2021 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious OBJ files. This affects all versions of Solid Edge SE2021 before SE2021MP8. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Solid Edge SE2021
📦 What is this software?
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
Solid Edge by Siemens
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the Solid Edge process, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution when a user opens a malicious OBJ file, potentially leading to malware installation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper application whitelisting and file validation are in place, with potential for application crash.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious OBJ file; no public exploit code available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: SE2021MP8
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-728618.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Solid Edge SE2021 Maintenance Pack 8 (SE2021MP8) from Siemens support portal. 2. Close all Solid Edge applications. 3. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 4. Restart the system after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block OBJ file extensions
windowsPrevent Solid Edge from opening OBJ files via group policy or application restrictions.
Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer > Set default associations: .obj=notepad.exe
Application control policies
windowsImplement application whitelisting to restrict execution of Solid Edge to trusted locations only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict email filtering to block OBJ attachments and educate users about suspicious files.
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious Solid Edge process behavior.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Solid Edge version: Open Solid Edge > Help > About Solid Edge. If version is earlier than SE2021MP8, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Solid Edge SE2021" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version shows SE2021MP8 or later in Help > About Solid Edge dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Solid Edge when opening OBJ files
- Unusual process creation from Solid Edge executable
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Solid Edge process to suspicious IPs
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 AND Source="Solid Edge" AND FaultingModule LIKE "%obj%"