CVE-2024-45470 Overview
CVE-2024-45470 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Siemens Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. The flaw resides in the parser that processes Virtual Reality Modeling Language (WRL) files. A specially crafted WRL file triggers a memory write outside allocated bounds. An attacker who convinces a user to open a malicious file can execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. The vulnerability requires local file access and user interaction, but no authentication. Siemens published advisories SSA-583523 and SSA-645131 with fixed builds.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected engineering or visualization process, potentially compromising industrial design and simulation environments.
Affected Products
- Teamcenter Visualization V14.2 (all versions before V14.2.0.14), V14.3 (all versions before V14.3.0.12), and V2312 (all versions before V2312.0008)
- Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2302 (all versions before V2302.0016)
- Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2404 (all versions before V2404.0005)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-08 - CVE-2024-45470 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-45470
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in the WRL file parser used by Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. WRL is a text-based 3D scene description format used by industrial visualization and simulation tools. When the parser processes a specially crafted WRL file, it writes data beyond the boundaries of an allocated buffer. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent data structures, function pointers, or control-flow metadata. An attacker who controls the values written can pivot the corruption into arbitrary code execution within the process. The affected applications typically run under the interactive user account, so successful exploitation yields code execution at that privilege level.
Root Cause
The parser fails to validate size or offset values encoded in the WRL file before writing parsed data into internal buffers. Missing bounds checks against fixed-size allocations allow attacker-controlled input to drive writes past the intended memory region. Siemens does not disclose the specific field or routine responsible.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local delivery of a malicious WRL file and user interaction to open it. A common delivery path is social engineering through email attachments, shared network drives, or supplier-provided CAD assets. Because engineering environments routinely exchange 3D models with third parties, the file-based vector is realistic. No prior authentication to the target host is required beyond opening the file.
No verified public proof-of-concept is available. Refer to Siemens Security Advisory SSA-583523 and SSA-645131 for vendor-supplied technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-45470
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Tcvis.exe, PlantSimulation.exe, or related Teamcenter or Tecnomatix binaries after a WRL file is opened.
- Process crashes with access violation exceptions in the visualization or simulation executables, particularly during WRL file loading.
- WRL files received from untrusted sources or delivered outside normal engineering data exchange workflows.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for anomalous shell, scripting, or LOLBin execution originating from Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation processes.
- Deploy YARA rules targeting malformed VRML/WRL structures with oversized array indices or malformed node definitions.
- Correlate file-open events on .wrl extensions with subsequent process crashes or memory access violations logged by Windows Error Reporting.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Sysmon Event ID 1 (process creation) and Event ID 11 (file create) filtered on WRL file activity into your SIEM for baseline analysis.
- Track versions of Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation across the fleet to identify hosts still running vulnerable builds.
- Alert on WRL files transiting email gateways or file-sharing platforms from external senders.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-45470
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Teamcenter Visualization to V14.2.0.14, V14.3.0.12, or V2312.0008 or later as applicable.
- Upgrade Tecnomatix Plant Simulation to V2302.0016 or V2404.0005 or later.
- Restrict WRL file handling to trusted sources and validate any files received from suppliers or partners before opening.
Patch Information
Siemens released fixed builds for all affected product lines. See Siemens Security Advisory SSA-583523 for Teamcenter Visualization and Siemens Security Advisory SSA-645131 for Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. Apply the vendor updates through the standard Siemens download portal.
Workarounds
- Avoid opening WRL files from untrusted or unverified sources until patches are applied.
- Enforce application allowlisting and block execution of unexpected child processes from visualization and simulation binaries.
- Segregate engineering workstations from general-purpose email and web browsing to reduce exposure to malicious file delivery.
# Verify installed Teamcenter Visualization version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Siemens\Teamcenter Visualization" /s | findstr /i "Version"
# Block .wrl attachments at the mail gateway (example rule syntax)
# attachment.extension == "wrl" AND sender.trust_level < "trusted" -> quarantine
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
