CVE-2024-52574 Overview
CVE-2024-52574 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] in Siemens Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. The flaw exists in the WRL (VRML) file parser and reads past the end of an allocated structure when handling crafted input. An attacker who convinces a user to open a malicious WRL file can execute code in the context of the current process. Siemens tracked the issue under advisories SSA-645131 and SSA-824503, and the Zero Day Initiative referenced it as ZDI-CAN-24543. The vulnerability requires local file access and user interaction, which limits remote exploitation but suits phishing and supply-chain scenarios common in engineering environments.
Critical Impact
A crafted WRL file can trigger an out-of-bounds read that leads to arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation process.
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-2024-52574 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-52574
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the WRL (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file parser used by Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. When the parser processes a specially crafted WRL file, it reads memory past the end of an allocated structure. This out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] can leak sensitive process memory and, when combined with parser state corruption, allows an attacker to redirect execution flow. Successful exploitation runs code with the privileges of the user opening the file. Engineering workstations often run these tools with access to sensitive product design data, making them attractive targets for intellectual-property theft and lateral movement into operational technology (OT) networks.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds validation in the WRL parsing routine. The parser trusts length or index fields inside the WRL structure without verifying them against the size of the allocated buffer. When these values exceed the buffer boundary, the parser dereferences memory outside the intended region.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local file access and user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious .wrl file and delivers it through email, shared network drives, or engineering data exchange workflows. When an engineer opens the file in Teamcenter Visualization or imports it into Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, the parser processes the malicious content and triggers the out-of-bounds read. No network exposure or elevated privileges are required.
No public proof-of-concept exploit has been released for this issue. Technical specifics are limited to Siemens advisories; see the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-824503 and Siemens Security Advisory SSA-645131 for vendor detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52574
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected .wrl files arriving through email attachments, external shares, or CAD data exchanges that reference engineering workstations.
- Abnormal crashes or Windows Error Reporting (WER) events tied to Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation executables shortly after opening a WRL file.
- Child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe spawned by Teamcenter or Tecnomatix processes.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for engineering applications launching command interpreters or performing outbound network connections outside of documented workflows.
- Correlate file-open events for .wrl extensions with subsequent process anomalies on the same host.
- Apply behavioral rules that flag memory-access violations followed by unexpected code execution inside CAD and PLM applications.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Log and alert on process creation events with parent images matching Teamcenter Visualization or Tecnomatix Plant Simulation binaries.
- Monitor engineering file share activity for WRL files originating from untrusted sources or with anomalous sizes.
- Track patch level and application versions on all engineering workstations to identify hosts still running vulnerable builds.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52574
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Teamcenter Visualization and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation to the fixed versions listed in the Siemens advisories.
- Restrict opening of WRL files to trusted internal sources and block WRL attachments at the email gateway where feasible.
- Instruct engineering staff to avoid opening WRL files from external or unverified origins until systems are patched.
Patch Information
Siemens has released fixed builds: Teamcenter Visualization V14.2.0.14, V14.3.0.12, V2312.0008, and V2406.0005, plus Tecnomatix Plant Simulation V2302.0018 and V2404.0007. Refer to the Siemens Security Advisory SSA-824503 and Siemens Security Advisory SSA-645131 for download locations and version-specific guidance.
Workarounds
- Do not open untrusted WRL files in affected applications until patches are deployed.
- Segment engineering workstations from general corporate networks to limit lateral movement following exploitation.
- Apply application allowlisting to prevent child-process execution from Teamcenter and Tecnomatix binaries.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
