CVE-2022-27653
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-27653 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Simcenter Femap that allows remote code execution when parsing malicious .NEU files. Attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. All Simcenter Femap users with versions before V2022.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Simcenter Femap
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through remote code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal data, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or system compromise when users open malicious .NEU files, potentially leading to data theft or ransomware deployment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file handling controls and user awareness, potentially only causing application crashes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious .NEU files. No public exploit code is available, but the vulnerability is well-documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V2022.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-162616.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Simcenter Femap V2022.2 or later from Siemens official sources
2. Install the update following Siemens installation procedures
3. Restart the system to ensure changes take effect
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict .NEU file handling
windowsBlock or restrict opening of .NEU files from untrusted sources
Application control policies
windowsImplement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file handling policies to prevent opening .NEU files from untrusted sources
- Use network segmentation to isolate Simcenter Femap systems from critical infrastructure
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Simcenter Femap version in Help > About menu. If version is below V2022.2, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via GUI Help > About menuVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is V2022.2 or later in Help > About menu and test opening legitimate .NEU files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when opening .NEU files
- Unusual process creation from Simcenter Femap executable
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network connections originating from Simcenter Femap process
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Image contains 'femap.exe' AND CommandLine contains '.neu'