CVE-2026-23718
📋 TL;DR
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Simcenter Femap and Simcenter Nastran allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious NDB files. This affects all versions before V2512 of both engineering simulation software products. Users who process untrusted NDB files are at risk of complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Simcenter Femap
- Simcenter Nastran
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution when a user opens a malicious NDB file, potentially leading to malware installation or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file handling controls and user awareness prevent opening untrusted files, though the vulnerability remains present.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious file; no public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V2512
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-965753.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download and install Simcenter Femap V2512 or Simcenter Nastran V2512 from Siemens support portal. 2. Follow vendor installation instructions. 3. Restart affected systems after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict NDB file handling
allImplement application whitelisting to prevent execution of vulnerable versions or restrict opening of NDB files from untrusted sources.
User awareness training
allTrain users to avoid opening NDB files from unknown or untrusted sources.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file handling policies to block NDB files from untrusted sources.
- Use network segmentation to isolate systems running vulnerable software from critical assets.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check software version in application Help > About menu; if version is below V2512, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable; check via GUI in Help > About.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is V2512 or higher in Help > About menu.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes or unexpected termination when processing NDB files
- Unusual process creation from Simcenter applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Simcenter processes
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 (Application Error) with process name containing 'femap' or 'nastran'