CVE-2024-23798 Overview
CVE-2024-23798 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. The flaw exists in the WRL (VRML World) file parser used by the application. Attackers who convince a user to open a crafted WRL file can execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
The vulnerability affects Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2201 versions before V2201.0012 and V2302 versions before V2302.0006. Siemens published advisory SSA-017796 to document the issue and provide fixed versions.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the engineering workstation.
Affected Products
- Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2201 (all versions prior to V2201.0012)
- Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2302 (all versions prior to V2302.0006)
- Industrial engineering workstations running vulnerable Tecnomatix builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-02-13 - CVE-2024-23798 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-23798
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow [CWE-121] combined with an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787]. It occurs while Tecnomatix Plant Simulation parses WRL files, a text-based 3D scene format derived from VRML. The parser fails to validate the length of specific fields before copying them into a fixed-size stack buffer.
An attacker crafts a WRL file containing an oversized token or field. When a user imports or opens the file, the parser copies attacker-controlled bytes past the buffer boundary. The overflow overwrites adjacent stack memory, including saved return addresses and structured exception handlers.
The attack requires local access and user interaction, but no authentication. Tecnomatix Plant Simulation is commonly used in industrial and manufacturing engineering workflows, where WRL assets are routinely shared between suppliers and integrators. This distribution model increases exposure to malicious file delivery.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation on variable-length fields during WRL deserialization. The parser trusts the size of incoming tokens and performs unbounded copy operations into fixed stack allocations, violating safe string and memory handling practices.
Attack Vector
An attacker delivers a malicious .wrl file through email, shared drives, supply chain artifacts, or engineering asset repositories. When a Tecnomatix operator opens the file, the parser processes attacker-controlled data and triggers the overflow. Code executes with the privileges of the current user, which on engineering workstations often includes access to project data, PLC configurations, and connected OT segments.
Exploitation details for this specific parser are not publicly documented. See the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-017796 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23798
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by PlantSimulation.exe or related Tecnomatix binaries after opening a WRL file
- Crash dumps or Windows Error Reporting entries citing access violations in the Tecnomatix WRL parser modules
- WRL files with anomalously long string fields or malformed VRML node definitions arriving from external sources
- Outbound network connections initiated by Tecnomatix processes to unknown hosts following file open events
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process creation events where Tecnomatix binaries spawn shells, scripting engines, or LOLBins such as powershell.exe, cmd.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Deploy YARA rules that flag WRL files containing oversized string tokens or unusual field lengths
- Correlate file-open telemetry for .wrl extensions with subsequent memory-write anomalies in EDR logs
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on Tecnomatix Plant Simulation process crashes, especially near WRL file import operations
- Track file provenance for WRL assets entering engineering workstations from email, USB, or external repositories
- Baseline normal network behavior of Tecnomatix hosts and alert on deviations following file parsing activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23798
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2201 to V2201.0012 or later
- Upgrade Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2302 to V2302.0006 or later
- Restrict WRL file handling to trusted sources and validate provenance before opening
- Apply least-privilege configurations to engineering workstation user accounts
Patch Information
Siemens released fixed builds for both affected product families. Administrators should obtain V2201.0012 or V2302.0006 through official Siemens distribution channels. Full remediation details are in the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-017796.
Workarounds
- Avoid opening WRL files received from untrusted or unverified sources
- Segment engineering workstations from general corporate networks to limit lateral movement after compromise
- Enable application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized child processes from executing under Tecnomatix
- Enforce endpoint protection with exploit mitigation features such as DEP, ASLR, and CFG on Tecnomatix hosts
# Verify installed Tecnomatix Plant Simulation version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Siemens\Tecnomatix\Plant Simulation" /s | findstr /i "Version"
# Restrict WRL file associations by removing default handler (example)
assoc .wrl=
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
