CVE-2017-12104 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 draws a Particle object. 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-2017-12104 represents a critical security flaw within the Blender 3d creation suite version 2.78c, specifically affecting the particle system rendering functionality. This integer overflow vulnerability exists in the code responsible for handling particle object drawing operations, where the application fails to properly validate input parameters when processing .blend files. The flaw manifests when the software attempts to calculate buffer sizes for particle data structures, leading to a situation where legitimate integer arithmetic produces values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type used, thus creating an exploitable condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and arithmetic overflow handling within the particle system code module. When a maliciously crafted .blend file is processed, the application's particle rendering engine encounters malformed particle count parameters that trigger integer overflow conditions during buffer allocation calculations. This overflow results in a subsequent buffer overflow scenario where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with controlled data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of the application itself, meaning successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Blender.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. An attacker can craft a malicious .blend file that, when opened by an unsuspecting user or loaded as a library component in a legitimate project, triggers the integer overflow condition. This attack vector is particularly concerning in collaborative environments where users frequently share and import 3d assets, as it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the file. The vulnerability affects all users running Blender version 2.78c and earlier, making it a widespread concern for creative professionals who rely on this open-source software for their work. The exploitation scenario follows typical remote code execution patterns where the attacker crafts a payload that, when processed by the vulnerable application, results in unauthorized code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12104 focus primarily on immediate software updates and input validation improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Blender version 2.79 or later, where the integer overflow issue has been addressed through proper input validation and overflow checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for .blend files, particularly in collaborative environments where file sharing is common. Additional protective measures include running Blender with restricted user privileges, implementing sandboxing techniques, and employing network-based security controls to prevent the execution of untrusted 3d assets. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, representing exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.