CVE-2017-2905 in 3d Creation Suite
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable integer overflow exists in the bmp loading functionality of the Blender open-source 3d creation suite version 2.78c. A specially crafted '.bmp' 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-2017-2905 represents a critical security flaw within the Blender 3d creation suite version 2.78c, specifically affecting the bitmap image file loading mechanism. This integer overflow vulnerability resides in the bmp loading functionality, which forms part of Blender's extensive asset handling capabilities. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted .bmp files, creating a chain of memory management issues that can be exploited for remote code execution. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe as it operates within the context of the application itself, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the Blender process. This represents a significant risk for users who may unknowingly open malicious bitmap files, particularly in collaborative environments where asset sharing is common.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper integer overflow handling during the parsing of bitmap file headers and data structures. When Blender attempts to load a malformed .bmp file, the application fails to properly validate integer values that determine buffer allocation sizes, leading to an integer overflow condition. This overflow subsequently results in a buffer overflow scenario where memory allocated for image data becomes insufficient to accommodate the actual data being processed. The flaw falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where arithmetic operations produce values that exceed the maximum representable value for the given data type. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the user to interact with the malicious file through Blender's sequencer functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently import external assets.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2905 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of the user's system when successfully exploited. The vulnerability can be triggered through legitimate user interactions with the software, making it particularly insidious as it does not require specialized attack vectors or user deception beyond the standard social engineering involved in convincing someone to open a file. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack surface is broadened by Blender's widespread use in professional environments, including animation studios, game development companies, and educational institutions where users may encounter malicious files through legitimate asset sharing processes. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute code through the application's legitimate file processing pathways.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2905 should focus on immediate software updates and implementation of defensive measures to prevent exploitation. Users should immediately upgrade to Blender versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original 2.78c release contained no patches for this specific issue. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for assets imported into Blender projects, and consider using automated scanning tools to identify potentially malicious bitmap files. Network-level defenses such as content filtering and sandboxing of file processing activities can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections or file access patterns that might suggest exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in multimedia processing libraries, emphasizing the need for robust memory management practices in applications that handle user-supplied data files. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations to limit the damage potential of successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker succeeds in executing code, the compromised system remains protected through restricted permissions and access controls.