CVE-2017-12103 in 3d Creation Suite
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable integer overflow exists in the way that the Blender open-source 3d creation suite v2.78c converts text rendered as a font into a curve. A specially crafted .blend file can cause an integer overflow resulting in a buffer overflow which can allow for code execution under the context of the application. An attacker can convince a user to open the file or use the file as a library in order to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12103 represents a critical security flaw in the Blender 3D creation suite version 2.78c that stems from improper handling of text-to-curve conversion operations. This integer overflow occurs during the process of rendering text as fonts and subsequently converting them into curve data structures, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted .blend files can trigger exploitable conditions. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes text objects that are intended to be converted into curves, establishing a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory allocation through carefully constructed input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs within the font rendering pipeline of Blender's curve conversion mechanism. When processing text objects that are converted to curves, the application fails to properly validate or constrain integer values used for memory allocation calculations. This allows an attacker to provide input that causes integer overflow during the computation of buffer sizes, ultimately leading to a subsequent buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities through crafted input manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution under the privileges of the Blender application user. An attacker can craft a malicious .blend file that, when opened by an unsuspecting user or incorporated as a library into a legitimate project, triggers the integer overflow condition. This creates a sophisticated attack vector where social engineering plays a crucial role, as users must be convinced to open the malicious file or include it in their projects. The vulnerability affects any system running Blender 2.78c where the user opens or processes the malicious file, potentially compromising the entire system if the application runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12103 primarily focus on immediate software updates and user education. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Blender that addresses the integer overflow condition in the text-to-curve conversion process. Users should also implement strict file validation procedures, particularly when handling .blend files from untrusted sources, and consider running Blender in restricted environments or sandboxed execution contexts. Additionally, administrators should monitor for suspicious file activity and implement network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to deliver malicious .blend files through email attachments or file sharing platforms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in graphics rendering applications, particularly those that process user-supplied content through complex conversion pipelines.