CVE-2022-41302 in FBX SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2022
An Out-Of-Bounds Read Vulnerability in Autodesk FBX SDK version 2020. and prior may lead to code execution or information disclosure through maliciously crafted FBX files. This vulnerability in conjunction with other vulnerabilities could lead to code execution in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The CVE-2022-41302 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Autodesk FBX SDK versions 2020 and earlier, posing significant security risks to applications that utilize this software development kit. This vulnerability specifically affects the FBX file format parsing functionality, which is widely used for exchanging 3D graphics data between various Autodesk applications and third-party software. The FBX SDK serves as a foundational component for 3D content creation and rendering workflows across industries including entertainment, architecture, and manufacturing, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of FBX files in professional environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the FBX file parser implementation. When processing maliciously crafted FBX files, the SDK fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits during the parsing of file structures, leading to memory access violations that can be exploited to read data beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read condition creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive information from memory or potentially manipulate program execution flow, as the vulnerability exists in the core parsing logic that handles various FBX file elements including geometric data, animation information, and metadata structures. The flaw manifests when the parser encounters malformed FBX file structures that cause it to access memory locations outside the allocated buffers, potentially exposing system memory contents or enabling further exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable remote code execution when combined with other exploit primitives. Attackers can craft malicious FBX files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, trigger the out-of-bounds read condition and subsequently lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the running application process. This risk is particularly severe in environments where users frequently open 3D files from untrusted sources, such as in creative studios, game development companies, or architectural firms that regularly exchange 3D models. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is further amplified by the fact that many applications using the FBX SDK are privileged processes that may have elevated system permissions, increasing the potential damage from successful exploitation. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of inputs, and may also map to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities in the exploitation chain.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Autodesk FBX SDK version 2021 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for FBX files received from external sources and consider sandboxing or virtualization techniques when processing untrusted 3D content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation in file format parsers. Additionally, organizations should monitor for related vulnerabilities in the FBX SDK ecosystem and ensure that all applications relying on this technology are regularly updated to maintain security posture against evolving threats in the 3D graphics processing domain.