CVE-2024-53977
Published: 11 February 2025
Description
A vulnerability has been identified in ModelSim (All versions < V2025.1), Questa (All versions < V2025.1). An example setup script contained in affected applications allows a specific executable file to be loaded from the current working directory. This could allow an authenticated local attacker to inject arbitrary code and escalate privileges in installations where administrators or processes with elevated privileges launch the script from a user-writable directory.
Security Summary
CVE-2024-53977 is a vulnerability affecting ModelSim (all versions prior to V2025.1) and Questa (all versions prior to V2025.1), stemming from an example setup script that loads a specific executable file from the current working directory. This flaw, classified under CWE-427 (Untrusted Search Path), enables potential code injection due to the script's reliance on the working directory for executable resolution. The vulnerability carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.7 (AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), indicating medium severity with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
An authenticated local attacker with low privileges can exploit this issue by placing a malicious executable in a user-writable directory. Exploitation requires high attack complexity and user interaction, specifically when an administrator or elevated-privilege process launches the setup script from that directory. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code injection, leading to privilege escalation on the affected system.
Siemens has published advisory SSA-637914 detailing the issue, available at https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-637914.html, which security practitioners should consult for mitigation guidance and patch information.
Details
- CWE(s)