PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2024-41981 Siemens CVE debrief

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Siemens Simcenter Femap when parsing specially crafted BDF (Bulk Data File) files. The vulnerability, published on December 10, 2024, allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH) reflects local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction required. Affected versions include Simcenter Femap V2306, V2401, and V2406. Siemens has released a fix for V2406 through the Femap 2406 Nastran Updates, while no patch is currently available for V2306 and V2401. Users should avoid opening untrusted BDF files as an interim mitigation.

Vendor: Siemens
Product: Simcenter Nastran 2306
CVSS: HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2024-10-08
Original CVE updated: 2025-05-06
Advisory published: 2024-10-08
Advisory updated: 2025-05-06

Who should care

Organizations using Siemens Simcenter Femap for finite element analysis and simulation, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Security teams protecting engineering workstations and product lifecycle management (PLM) environments should prioritize this vulnerability due to the potential for code execution in critical design systems.

Technical summary

The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during parsing of BDF (Bulk Data File) format files in Simcenter Femap. BDF files are commonly used in finite element analysis workflows. A malformed BDF file can trigger a heap-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Femap process. The attack requires local access and user interaction (opening a malicious file), but no special privileges. This vulnerability class is particularly concerning in engineering environments where BDF files may be exchanged between collaborators or downloaded from external sources.

Defensive priority

high

Recommended defensive actions

Apply the Femap 2406 Nastran Updates to all Simcenter Femap V2406.x installations
Do not open untrusted or unsolicited BDF files in affected Simcenter Femap versions
Monitor Siemens security advisories for future patches for V2306 and V2401
Implement defense-in-depth controls for engineering workstations running Simcenter Femap
Restrict file import operations to trusted sources only

Evidence notes

CVE published and modified 2024-12-10. CISA ICS advisory ICSA-24-347-06 issued same date. Siemens security advisory SSA-881356 confirms affected products and remediation status.

Official resources

2024-12-10