CVE-2022-45748 in assimp
Summary
by MITRE • 01/20/2023
An issue was discovered with assimp 5.1.4, a use after free occurred in function ColladaParser::ExtractDataObjectFromChannel in file /code/AssetLib/Collada/ColladaParser.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-45748 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the assimp library version 5.1.4 which is widely employed for importing and exporting 3D asset files across various applications and game engines. This library serves as a fundamental component in the digital content creation pipeline, processing numerous 3D file formats including collada which is a core part of the vulnerability. The specific function ColladaParser::ExtractDataObjectFromChannel in the file AssetLib/Collada/ColladaParser.cpp contains the flaw that allows for improper memory management during the parsing of collada format files. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes malformed or specially crafted collada files that trigger the extraction logic, leading to memory that has already been freed being accessed by subsequent operations within the same execution context.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation sequences within the collada parsing module. When the ColladaParser processes certain data objects within channel structures, it appears to free memory resources associated with data objects while maintaining references to those freed locations. Subsequent code paths attempt to access this freed memory, which can result in unpredictable behavior ranging from application crashes to potential code execution exploits. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists in a library that is integrated into numerous software products including game engines, 3D modeling applications, and content management systems. This widespread adoption means that a single vulnerability in the assimp library can potentially affect hundreds of applications across different platforms and industries, creating a significant attack surface.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-45748 extends beyond simple application instability, as it presents a potential pathway for remote code execution when exploited by malicious actors. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development, and it demonstrates how improper memory management can create security risks that persist across multiple application domains. The flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including the processing of maliciously crafted 3D asset files that are loaded into applications using the affected assimp library. Attackers could potentially deliver malicious content through file sharing platforms, game distribution channels, or content management systems where these files might be processed automatically. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where applications automatically load external content, such as game engines that process user-generated content or 3D modeling applications that import files from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the assimp library to version 5.2.0 or later where the issue has been resolved through proper memory management implementation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications and systems that utilize the affected assimp library versions, particularly focusing on game engines, 3D content creation tools, and any software that processes external 3D assets. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect attempts to load malicious 3D files and consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of untrusted content. The fix implemented in newer versions addresses the root cause by ensuring proper memory lifecycle management and preventing access to freed memory locations, thereby eliminating the use-after-free condition that was present in the vulnerable code paths. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper code review and security testing in open source libraries, particularly those handling file format parsing where memory management errors can have severe consequences.