CVE-2017-12105 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 applies a particular object modifier to a Mesh. 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-2017-12105 represents a critical security flaw in Blender version 2.78c, an open-source 3D creation suite widely used in professional and educational environments. This issue stems from improper input validation within the mesh modifier processing pipeline, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted 3D files can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Blender processes certain object modifiers applied to mesh data structures, making it particularly dangerous given the software's widespread adoption in creative industries where users frequently open and share 3D files.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in an integer overflow condition that occurs during the memory allocation process for mesh data modifications. When Blender encounters a specially crafted .blend file containing malformed mesh modifier parameters, the application fails to properly validate the size calculations required for buffer allocation. This integer overflow results in a subsequent buffer overflow condition, where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The flaw falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow, specifically manifesting as a CWE-121 buffer overflow due to improper memory management. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and code execution exploits, creating a path for attackers to gain control over the application's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to compromise entire systems where Blender is installed. Attackers can craft malicious .blend files that, when opened by unsuspecting users, automatically trigger the overflow condition without requiring any additional user interaction beyond the normal file opening process. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where 3D artists frequently share files or use library references, as the attack can be initiated through legitimate file inclusion mechanisms. The exploit requires no elevated privileges to succeed, as the code execution occurs within the context of the Blender application itself, potentially allowing attackers to access or modify files on the victim's system, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access through additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12105 should focus on immediate software updates to versions that have addressed the integer overflow issue, as the original vulnerability was resolved in subsequent Blender releases. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for files received from external sources or untrusted collaborators, and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms to isolate Blender execution environments. Network-level protections can include filtering .blend files at perimeter defenses and implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted 3D content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in multimedia applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as the overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution through the application's normal processing paths. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to help users recognize potentially malicious 3D files and understand the risks associated with opening untrusted 3D content in creative software environments.