Solidsquad — License Servers

A misconfigured Solidsquad server responding to broadcast discovery (@localhost or @bcast) can cause license storm traffic, flooding small networks with ARP and FlexNet heartbeat packets.

Run PowerShell on all machines:

Get-Process | Where-Object $_.Path -like "*solidsquad*" -or $_.ProcessName -like "*ssq*"

Also look for lmgrd.exe running from non-standard paths like C:\Windows\Temp. solidsquad license servers

Official FlexNet uses lmgrd (master daemon) and vendor-specific daemons like solidworks or adskflex. The Solidsquad version replaces these with modified executables that have had elliptic-curve signature checks removed. These modified daemons still speak the same network protocol (port 25734 or similar) but ignore the actual license file restrictions.

SolidSquad is a known group that releases "license server emulators" (often called "SSQ" or "SolidSquad" cracks) for Dassault Systèmes products (SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, SIMULIA) and other engineering software. Their method bypasses the legitimate license server check by running a local fake server. Also look for lmgrd

If cost is the primary motivator for considering a Solidsquad server, explore these legitimate options:

| Solution | Description | | --- | --- | | SolidWorks Startup Edition | Free for qualifying startups for 1 year, includes basic licenses. | | Autodesk Flex Token | Pay-as-you-go tokens, no long-term commitment. | | Network License Borrowing | Official offline grace period (up to 180 days for some products). | | Educational Licenses | Full featured, non-commercial use for students/teachers. | | Cloud PLM (3DEXPERIENCE) | Subscription-based SolidWorks on the cloud, no local server needed. | solidsquad license servers

A legitimate license file contains a SERVER line with a MAC address and a VENDOR line with a path. Solidsquad provides universal license files where the HOSTID is set to ANY or INTERNET=*.*.*.*. This removes the binding to a physical network adapter.

Even ignoring legal repercussions, network administrators should be aware of severe operational risks.