CVE-2022-0544 in Blender
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
An integer underflow in the DDS loader of Blender leads to an out-of-bounds read, possibly allowing an attacker to read sensitive data using a crafted DDS image file. This flaw affects Blender versions prior to 2.83.19, 2.93.8 and 3.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-0544 represents a critical integer underflow flaw within Blender's Direct Draw Surface (DDS) image loader component. This issue manifests when processing specially crafted DDS files that contain malformed metadata, specifically in the way the software handles dimension values during image loading operations. The flaw exists in the mathematical operations that calculate buffer boundaries, where an integer underflow occurs when subtracting a larger value from a smaller one, resulting in a wraparound to a large positive integer value. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-191 Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) category, which is classified as a fundamental arithmetic error that can lead to unpredictable behavior in software applications. The attack vector requires an attacker to prepare a malicious DDS file that triggers this specific condition during the image loading process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability results in an out-of-bounds read condition that can be leveraged to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. When Blender processes the crafted DDS file, the integer underflow causes the software to allocate or access memory regions that were not properly validated, potentially allowing an attacker to read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations. This could include memory contents such as encryption keys, user credentials, application state information, or other confidential data that happens to be stored in the memory vicinity of the affected buffer. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the image loading pipeline, which means that simply opening or previewing a malicious DDS file could trigger the exploit without requiring any additional user interaction beyond the standard file opening process. This makes it a prime candidate for social engineering attacks where users might inadvertently open malicious files while browsing or working with graphics content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the broader ATT&CK framework. The out-of-bounds read could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution or privilege escalation, depending on the memory layout and application architecture. The affected versions include Blender 2.83.18 and earlier, 2.93.7 and earlier, and 3.0 and earlier, which were widely used in professional 3d modeling and animation workflows. This widespread adoption means that numerous creative professionals, studios, and organizations using Blender for their projects were potentially exposed to this risk. The vulnerability affects both the desktop and server versions of Blender, making it relevant across different deployment scenarios including cloud-based rendering environments and local workstation setups. Security researchers have noted that the exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as the vulnerability is triggered automatically during file processing, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0544 primarily focus on immediate software updates and version control measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Blender versions 2.83.19, 2.93.8, or 3.1 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the integer underflow condition. These updates implement proper bounds checking and integer overflow protection mechanisms that prevent the malicious DDS file from triggering the vulnerable code path. Additionally, security teams should implement file validation procedures that scan incoming DDS files for suspicious metadata patterns before processing them within Blender environments. Network security controls such as sandboxing or file reputation systems can provide additional layers of protection by preventing automatic execution of potentially malicious files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and robust error handling in graphics processing libraries, as similar issues could potentially exist in other software components that handle image file formats. Organizations should consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and block known malicious file patterns, particularly in environments where users frequently exchange graphics files or work with third-party content from untrusted sources. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with legitimate DDS files or existing workflows.