CVE-2024-52565 Overview
CVE-2024-52565 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] in Siemens Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. The flaw exists in the parser that processes VRML (.WRL) files. An attacker can craft a malicious WRL file that, when opened by a user, corrupts memory beyond the intended buffer boundary. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current process. The vulnerability was reported through the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI-CAN-24231) and disclosed by Siemens ProductCERT.
Critical Impact
Attackers can execute code in the context of the current user by convincing a victim to open a malicious .WRL file, enabling local code execution on engineering and manufacturing workstations.
Affected Products
- Siemens Teamcenter Visualization V14.2 (versions prior to V14.2.0.14), V14.3 (prior to V14.3.0.12), V2312 (prior to V2312.0008), and V2406 (prior to V2406.0005)
- Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2302 (versions prior to V2302.0018)
- Siemens Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2404 (versions prior to V2404.0007)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-18 - CVE-2024-52565 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-52565
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the WRL file parser used by Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. WRL is the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) format used for 3D scene descriptions and CAD interchange. During parsing of a specially crafted .WRL file, the affected code writes data past the bounds of an allocated buffer. This corrupts adjacent memory structures and can be leveraged to hijack control flow. Exploitation requires the victim to open the file locally, which aligns with common engineering workflows that ingest 3D model data from external sources.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds validation when the parser copies field values from a WRL scene node into a fixed-size in-memory buffer. Untrusted length or index values sourced from the file drive a write operation, resulting in an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787]. Because the corruption occurs during file ingestion, no privileged operations are required from the attacker.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious WRL file through email, shared engineering repositories, supplier data exchanges, or removable media. When an engineer opens the file in a vulnerable Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation build, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds write. The attacker executes code with the privileges of the user running the application, which on engineering workstations often includes access to product data management systems and manufacturing networks.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is currently available. See the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-824503 and Siemens Security Advisory SSA-645131 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52565
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes of TcVis.exe, PlantSimulation.exe, or associated parser modules when opening .WRL files
- Presence of .WRL files originating from untrusted email attachments, external suppliers, or unmanaged file shares
- Child processes spawned by Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation that do not match expected engineering workflows (for example, cmd.exe, powershell.exe, rundll32.exe)
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process ancestry for Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation binaries spawning shells, scripting hosts, or network utilities
- Alert on Windows Error Reporting or crash dumps that reference the WRL parsing modules of affected Siemens products
- Inspect email gateways and file-share telemetry for inbound .WRL attachments from external or low-reputation sources
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable EDR telemetry on all engineering workstations that run Siemens Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation
- Correlate file-open events for .WRL extensions with subsequent process creation and outbound network activity
- Track software inventory to confirm patch level of Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation across the environment
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52565
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Teamcenter Visualization to V14.2.0.14, V14.3.0.12, V2312.0008, or V2406.0005 or later, as applicable
- Upgrade Tecnomatix Plant Simulation to V2302.0018 or V2404.0007 or later, as applicable
- Restrict opening of .WRL files to trusted sources and enforce this through user awareness and mail filtering
Patch Information
Siemens has released fixed versions addressing this out-of-bounds write. Refer to the vendor advisories at Siemens Security Advisory SSA-824503 and Siemens Security Advisory SSA-645131 for the complete list of fixed versions and download instructions. Apply the patches during the next scheduled maintenance window on all engineering workstations.
Workarounds
- Do not open untrusted .WRL files in Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation
- Block or quarantine .WRL attachments at email and web gateways until affected hosts are patched
- Segment engineering workstations from general-purpose corporate networks to limit lateral movement following successful exploitation
- Enforce least-privilege on user accounts running these applications to reduce the impact of code execution in the current process context
# Configuration example
# See Siemens Security Advisory SSA-824503 for vendor-provided remediation steps.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
