CVE-2021-40354 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been identified in Teamcenter versions V12.4, V13.0, V13.1, and V13.2 by Siemens that could lead to an account takeover.

Understanding CVE-2021-40354

This CVE discloses a privilege escalation vulnerability in Teamcenter versions V12.4, V13.0, V13.1, and V13.2.

What is CVE-2021-40354?

The vulnerability arises due to insufficient access control in the "surrogate" functionality of user profiles in Teamcenter applications.
Attackers can exploit this issue to perform an account takeover by accessing any other user's assigned tasks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40354

Account takeovers can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and actions within the application.
Malicious users can manipulate tasks and information, posing a risk to data confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40354

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability in Teamcenter versions V12.4, V13.0, V13.1, and V13.2.

Vulnerability Description

CWE-267: Privilege Defined With Unsafe Actions
The "surrogate" function lacks sufficient access controls, enabling unauthorized account takeovers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Teamcenter V12.4: All versions below V12.4.0.8
Teamcenter V13.0: All versions below V13.0.0.7
Teamcenter V13.1: All versions below V13.1.0.5
Teamcenter V13.2: All versions below 13.2.0.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows any profile within the application to execute an account takeover by accessing other user's tasks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems and data from CVE-2021-40354 by following these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Teamcenter versions to the patched releases provided by Siemens.
Monitor user accounts and suspicious activities closely.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to detect vulnerabilities early.
Educate users on best cybersecurity practices and the importance of strong passwords.

Patching and Updates

Siemens may release patches for Teamcenter versions V12.4, V13.0, V13.1, and V13.2. Stay informed about patch releases and apply them promptly.