CVE-2017-2902 in 3d Creation Suite
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable integer overflow exists in the DPX loading functionality of the Blender open-source 3d creation suite version 2.78c. A specially crafted '.cin' 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 use the file as an asset via the sequencer in order to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2902 represents a critical security flaw within the Blender 3D creation suite version 2.78c, specifically within its DPX loading functionality. This integer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing .cin files, which are a specific type of image format used in digital cinema applications. The flaw exists in the software's handling of image dimensions and memory allocation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's memory management processes through carefully crafted file structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of DPX file headers, particularly when processing image width and height values. When the application encounters malformed .cin files containing oversized dimension parameters, the integer overflow causes subsequent buffer allocation calculations to produce incorrect memory sizes. This miscalculation results in a buffer overflow condition where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities through crafted input files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Blender application. This means that when a user opens a maliciously crafted .cin file through Blender's sequencer functionality, the attacker can potentially gain complete control over the system running the application. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the normal use of the software, making it a prime target for social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability affects the application's ability to properly validate and sanitize input from external sources, creating a persistent security risk for users who may encounter or download compromised assets.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the Blender development team, as the original version 2.78c contained the exploitable code. Organizations using Blender should implement strict file validation protocols and avoid opening untrusted .cin files from unknown sources. Additionally, security measures should include network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, and regular security awareness training to educate users about the risks of opening suspicious files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing applications, highlighting the need for comprehensive security testing of file format parsers. Security professionals should also consider implementing automated file scanning solutions that can detect potentially malicious file structures before they are processed by the application, reducing the attack surface and providing additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities.