CVE-2021-40157 in Licensing Service
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2021
A user may be tricked into opening a malicious FBX file which may exploit an Untrusted Pointer Dereference vulnerability in FBX’s Review version 1.5.0 and prior causing it to run arbitrary code on the system.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-40157 represents a critical security flaw in Autodesk's FBX Review software version 1.5.0 and earlier releases. This issue stems from an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability that occurs when the application processes maliciously crafted FBX files. The FBX file format is commonly used for exchanging 3D graphics data between different software applications, making it a frequent target for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in 3D content processing applications. The vulnerability specifically affects the Review version of FBX, which is designed for viewing 3D content without full editing capabilities but still requires robust security measures due to its file parsing functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a pointer dereference operation that occurs when the FBX Review application attempts to process user-supplied data within an FBX file. When an attacker crafts a malicious FBX file containing malformed pointer references, the application fails to properly validate these references before dereferencing them. This weakness allows the attacker to manipulate memory pointers to redirect execution flow or access unauthorized memory locations, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-476 as an NULL Pointer Dereference, though in this specific case it manifests as an untrusted pointer dereference that can be exploited through crafted file content rather than a simple null pointer access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise within the context of the user's session. Attackers can craft FBX files that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users, exploiting social engineering techniques to trick victims into opening malicious files. The attack vector is particularly concerning because FBX files are commonly shared in creative industries, design firms, and collaborative environments where users frequently exchange 3D content. Once executed, the arbitrary code can perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, installation of additional malware, or establishment of persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems where FBX Review is installed, and the attack requires no special privileges beyond those normally available to a user account.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-40157 should prioritize immediate software updates from Autodesk, as version 1.5.1 and later releases contain patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted 3D content. Network security controls such as email filtering, web proxies, and endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan and block suspicious FBX file attachments. Security awareness training programs should educate users about the risks of opening untrusted 3D files and the importance of verifying file sources before execution. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of FBX Review to trusted environments, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure memory management practices, aligning with ATT&CK techniques related to execution through malicious file content and privilege escalation through code injection. Organizations should also consider the broader implications of file format vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive security measures across their 3D content workflows to prevent similar exploitation vectors.