CVE-2024-2229: Deserialization RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-2229 Overview

CVE-2024-2229 is a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability [CWE-502] disclosed by Schneider Electric. The flaw allows remote code execution when a valid user loads a malicious project file into the affected application. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction, but successful attacks yield high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Critical Impact
Attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the user who opens a crafted project file, enabling full compromise of the affected workstation.

Affected Products

Schneider Electric software products referenced in advisory SEVD-2024-072-02
Engineering or configuration applications that deserialize project files
Consult the vendor advisory for the exact product versions in scope

Discovery Timeline

2024-03-18 - CVE-2024-2229 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-2229

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from unsafe deserialization of project file content. Applications that reconstruct objects from serialized data without validating type information or content can be coerced into instantiating attacker-controlled classes. When a valid user opens a malicious project file, the deserialization routine processes attacker-embedded gadgets and triggers execution of arbitrary code.

The attack executes in the security context of the user opening the file. On engineering workstations that manage industrial control systems, this often means access to project data, credentials, and connected controllers. The requirement for user interaction lowers the risk of automated mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted phishing or supply-chain scenarios.

Root Cause

The root cause is deserialization of untrusted data without type filtering or integrity verification [CWE-502]. Project files are treated as trusted inputs, and the parser reconstructs object graphs without enforcing an allow list of safe types. Any gadget chain reachable from loaded assemblies becomes a potential execution primitive.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires an attacker to deliver a crafted project file to a legitimate user. Common delivery paths include email attachments, shared engineering repositories, USB media, and compromised update channels. The user must open the file within the vulnerable application to trigger the deserialization path. No network exposure is required, and no elevated privileges are needed on the target host.

Technical details are described in the Schneider Electric Security Notice SEVD-2024-072-02.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-2229

Indicators of Compromise

Project files delivered from untrusted email senders, external file shares, or removable media
Unexpected child processes spawned by the affected engineering application after a project file is opened
New persistence entries, scheduled tasks, or outbound connections created shortly after project file activity
Modification timestamps on project files that do not match the internal change history

Detection Strategies

Monitor process creation events where the vulnerable application launches interpreters such as powershell.exe, cmd.exe, wscript.exe, or rundll32.exe
Alert on file open events for project file extensions originating from user-writable download or temp directories
Correlate project file opens with subsequent network connections to non-corporate destinations
Apply behavioral rules that flag deserialization gadget patterns, including reflection-based code loading inside the application process

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable command-line auditing and PowerShell script block logging on engineering workstations
Forward endpoint telemetry to a central SIEM for correlation across OT and IT segments
Baseline normal parent-child process relationships for the affected application and alert on deviations
Track file provenance using mark-of-the-web and zone identifier metadata where supported

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-2229

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the vendor-supplied patch identified in SEVD-2024-072-02 on all engineering workstations running the affected software
Restrict project file exchange to signed, vetted sources and internal repositories
Train engineers to validate the origin of project files before opening them
Isolate engineering workstations from general-purpose email and web browsing where feasible

Patch Information

Schneider Electric published remediation guidance in advisory SEVD-2024-072-02. Refer to the Schneider Electric Security Notice SEVD-2024-072-02 for affected versions, fixed builds, and installation instructions.

Workarounds

Run the vulnerable application under a least-privileged user account to limit post-exploitation impact
Store project files in access-controlled repositories with integrity verification
Block execution of scripting interpreters spawned by the engineering application through endpoint policy
Deploy application allow listing on engineering hosts to prevent unauthorized child processes

bash

# Example: block common interpreters when launched by the engineering application
# Adjust the parent process name to match the affected product
New-ProcessMitigationRule -ParentProcess "engineering.exe" \
    -BlockChild "powershell.exe","cmd.exe","wscript.exe","cscript.exe"