CVE-2005-3302 in Blender
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in bvh_import.py in Blender 2.36 allows attackers to execute arbitrary Python code via a hierarchy element in a .bvh file, which is supplied to an eval function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The CVE-2005-3302 vulnerability represents a critical code injection flaw in Blender 2.36's bvh_import.py module that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of improper input validation in 3D modeling software. This vulnerability specifically targets the import functionality for Biovision Hierarchy (.bvh) files, which are commonly used for motion capture data in animation and gaming applications. The flaw occurs when Blender processes maliciously crafted .bvh files that contain specially constructed hierarchy elements designed to exploit a vulnerable eval function call within the import pipeline. This represents a classic sandbox escape vulnerability where user-supplied data directly influences code execution within the application's runtime environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Blender's insecure handling of external file formats where the software blindly executes code contained within user-provided data structures. When a .bvh file is imported, the bvh_import.py script processes the hierarchy element data and passes this information to an eval function without proper sanitization or validation. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary Python code that gets executed within Blender's Python interpreter context. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for "Python" command execution. The eval function call creates an execution path where attacker-controlled strings can be interpreted as Python code, bypassing normal security boundaries that should prevent arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3302 extends beyond simple code execution to represent a complete compromise of the affected system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains full control over the Blender application and potentially the underlying operating system if the application has sufficient privileges. This allows for remote code execution capabilities that could enable attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where users might unknowingly open malicious .bvh files shared through legitimate channels, making it a significant concern for animation studios, game development companies, and educational institutions that rely heavily on Blender for their workflows. The attack surface is broad since .bvh files can be easily shared through various means including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or even embedded within other file formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3302 require both immediate patching and operational security improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Blender that properly validates and sanitizes input data before processing. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that reject or quarantine .bvh files from untrusted sources and consider using automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious file structures. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that the Blender application runs with minimal necessary permissions. Security awareness training for users is essential to prevent accidental opening of malicious files, while application whitelisting can help prevent execution of unauthorized code. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in software security, aligning with ATT&CK framework guidance for preventing code injection attacks through proper data sanitization and execution environment hardening.