CVE-2021-37180 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in Solid Edge SE2021 software, affecting all versions below SE2021MP7. The vulnerability in the PSKERNEL.dll library could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the current process.

Understanding CVE-2021-37180

This section will provide an overview of CVE-2021-37180, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-37180?

CVE-2021-37180 refers to a vulnerability in Solid Edge SE2021 that arises due to improper validation in parsing user-supplied OBJ files by the PSKERNEL.dll library. This flaw could lead to unauthorized access to an uninitialized pointer, potentially enabling code execution by malicious actors.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37180

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows threat actors to exploit the uninitialized pointer to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected process. This could result in a complete compromise of the system or sensitive data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37180

In this section, we dive into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-37180, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Solid Edge SE2021 (All Versions < SE2021MP7) arises from improper validation in the PSKERNEL.dll library during the parsing of OBJ files, leading to potential out-of-bounds access to an uninitialized pointer. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code within the process.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts all versions of Solid Edge SE2021 that are below SE2021MP7. Users with these versions are at risk of exploitation and should take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

By providing a specially crafted OBJ file, threat actors can trigger the vulnerability in the PSKERNEL.dll library, exploiting the uninitialized pointer to execute arbitrary code within the context of the targeted process.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps users can take to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-37180 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address the CVE-2021-37180 vulnerability, users are advised to update Solid Edge SE2021 to version SE2021MP7 or above. Additionally, exercising caution when handling untrusted OBJ files can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust cybersecurity practices, such as regular software updates, security training for employees, and network segmentation, can enhance overall security posture and protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Siemens has likely released security patches to address the CVE-2021-37180 vulnerability. Users are strongly encouraged to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems against potential exploitation.