CVE-2005-3151 in Blender Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in blenderplay in Blender Player 2.37a allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long command line argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3151 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the blenderplay component of Blender Player version 2.37a. This issue resides in the command line argument processing functionality where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted arguments that exceed the allocated buffer space. The flaw specifically affects the Blender Player application which is used for rendering and playing back 3D animations and interactive content created within the Blender software ecosystem. The buffer overflow occurs when the application processes command line parameters without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. This vulnerability impacts the broader 3D content creation and distribution pipeline where Blender Player serves as a critical rendering engine for various multimedia applications and interactive experiences.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper memory management practices within the blenderplay module where command line arguments are directly copied into fixed-size buffers without adequate length verification. When an attacker provides a command line argument exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program variables, return addresses, or other executable code segments. This memory corruption enables attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with stack-based buffer overflow exploitation patterns as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries can leverage command line manipulation to achieve code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3151 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on Blender Player for content delivery and interactive applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or launch further attacks against the underlying system infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Blender Player is used for distributing interactive media content, as malicious actors could compromise the entire content delivery chain. Organizations using this software version face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive multimedia assets. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that command line arguments are commonly used in automated deployment scenarios, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability when assessing risk in multimedia content delivery systems and interactive application environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3151 should prioritize immediate software updates to newer versions of Blender Player that address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and memory management. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization measures and avoid using untrusted command line arguments in automated processes. Network segmentation and access controls should be deployed to limit exposure of systems running affected software versions. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command line usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within similar multimedia applications. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized binaries and limit the attack surface available to potential adversaries. These measures align with the defensive strategies recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for preventing command injection and privilege escalation attacks.