CVE-2025-40811 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125, identified in Siemens Solid Edge SE2024 and SE2025 CAD software. The vulnerability arises when the software parses specially crafted PRT files, which are proprietary part files used in 3D modeling and design. An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a maliciously crafted PRT file that triggers an out-of-bounds read condition, potentially leading to application crashes or arbitrary code execution within the context of the Solid Edge process. The vulnerability affects all versions of Solid Edge SE2024 prior to V224.0 Update 14 and SE2025 prior to V225.0 Update 6. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), exploitation requires local access and user interaction but no privileges, indicating that an attacker must convince a user to open a malicious file locally. The impact includes full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected application and potentially the host system. No public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported yet, but the high CVSS score reflects the serious risk posed by this vulnerability. Siemens has not yet published patches but updates are expected to address the issue. This vulnerability is particularly critical for organizations relying on Solid Edge for sensitive design and manufacturing processes, as exploitation could lead to intellectual property theft, operational disruption, or further network compromise.

For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and engineering sectors that extensively use Siemens Solid Edge for CAD design, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive design data, manipulate CAD files, or disrupt design workflows. This could result in intellectual property loss, production delays, and financial damages. Additionally, since Solid Edge is often integrated into broader PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and operational technology environments, compromise could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver malicious PRT files. European organizations with less mature endpoint security or insufficient user training are particularly vulnerable. The impact on availability through application crashes could also disrupt critical design activities, affecting time-to-market and competitive advantage.

1. Apply Siemens’ official patches or updates for Solid Edge SE2024 and SE2025 as soon as they become available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, implement strict controls on the sources of PRT files, including disabling the opening of files from untrusted or unknown origins. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Solid Edge, reducing the impact of potential code execution. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected CAD files, emphasizing caution with email attachments and downloads. 5. Monitor endpoint and network logs for unusual activity related to Solid Edge processes, such as crashes or unexpected file access patterns. 6. Integrate file integrity monitoring for critical CAD files and directories to detect unauthorized modifications. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate engineering workstations from broader corporate networks to limit lateral movement if compromise occurs. 8. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts or anomalous behavior in CAD applications.