CVE-2019-7366 in FBX Software Development Kit
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow vulnerability in Autodesk FBX Software Development Kit version 2019.5. A user may be tricked into opening a malicious FBX file which may exploit a buffer overflow vulnerability causing it to run arbitrary code on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7366 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Autodesk FBX Software Development Kit version 2019.5 that poses significant security risks to users and organizations relying on this widely-used 3D file format infrastructure. This vulnerability exists in the parsing mechanism of FBX files, which are extensively utilized in computer graphics, animation, and 3D modeling applications across various industries including entertainment, gaming, and architecture. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the SDK's file processing routines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted malicious FBX files.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability occurs when the FBX SDK processes malformed or specially constructed FBX files that contain oversized data structures or malformed field lengths that exceed the allocated buffer space. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates characteristics of CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow, where the overflow can potentially overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. The attack vector specifically targets the FBX file parsing functionality within the SDK, making it particularly dangerous as legitimate 3D content creators and developers frequently use these tools in their workflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to achieve complete system compromise through privilege escalation and persistent access. When a user opens a maliciously crafted FBX file, the buffer overflow can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack scenario typically involves social engineering tactics where users are tricked into opening seemingly legitimate 3D files that contain hidden malicious payloads. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage through application execution, as the arbitrary code execution can be achieved through the FBX SDK's processing environment. The broader implications include potential data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement within network environments where 3D content is shared or processed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7366 require immediate patching of the Autodesk FBX SDK to version 2019.6 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Organizations should implement defensive measures including file validation procedures, sandboxed processing environments for 3D content, and strict access controls for FBX file handling. Network-level protections such as email filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent malicious FBX files from reaching end users. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of software supply chain security, as third-party libraries and SDKs can introduce critical security flaws that affect entire ecosystems. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all systems using the FBX SDK and implement monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. Additionally, user awareness training should be emphasized to prevent social engineering attacks that rely on tricking users into opening malicious 3D files, as the human factor remains a critical component in defending against such attacks.