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File Parsing Vulnerabilities in PADS Standard/Plus Viewer

Monitor7.8SSA-439148Jul 12, 2022
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary

Siemens PADS Standard/Plus Viewer contains multiple memory corruption vulnerabilities (CWE-125, CWE-787, CWE-119) triggered when the application reads files in PCB format. Opening a malicious PCB file could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the viewer application.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker could trick a user into opening a malicious PCB file, resulting in arbitrary code execution on the engineering workstation running the viewer. This could compromise design files, introduce modifications to circuit board layouts, or provide a foothold into the design network.
Who's at risk
Organizations using Siemens PADS Standard/Plus Viewer for circuit board design and layout work are affected. This impacts PCB design teams in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries that rely on PADS for design workflows.
How it could be exploited
An attacker crafts a malicious PCB format file and sends it to a designer or engineer (via email, file share, or social engineering). When the user opens the file with PADS Standard/Plus Viewer, memory corruption is triggered, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the workstation with the privileges of the user running the application.
Prerequisites
  • User must open a malicious PCB format file
  • PADS Standard/Plus Viewer must be installed on the target workstation
  • User interaction required (file must be explicitly opened)
Low attack complexityUser interaction requiredAll versions vulnerableNo patch availableCode execution possible
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.4%)
Affected products (1)
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
PADS Standard/Plus ViewerAll versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Do now
0/2
WORKAROUNDAvoid opening PCB files from untrusted sources or email attachments
HARDENINGImplement user awareness training on malicious file risks and social engineering tactics
Mitigations - no patch available
0/3
PADS Standard/Plus Viewer has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGRestrict access to file shares and email to limit distribution of malicious PCB files
HARDENINGIsolate design workstations on a separate network segment from production systems
HARDENINGMonitor engineering workstations for suspicious process execution and file modifications
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File Parsing Vulnerabilities in PADS Standard/Plus Viewer | CVSS 7.8 - OTPulse