CVE-2023-21780 in 3D Builder
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2023
3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2023-21781, CVE-2023-21782, CVE-2023-21783, CVE-2023-21784, CVE-2023-21785, CVE-2023-21786, CVE-2023-21787, CVE-2023-21788, CVE-2023-21789, CVE-2023-21790, CVE-2023-21791, CVE-2023-21792, CVE-2023-21793.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2025
The CVE-2023-21780 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft's 3D Builder application, a component of the Windows operating system designed for 3D model creation and manipulation. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of 3D model files, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges. The flaw exists in the parsing mechanism of 3D file formats, particularly those supported by the 3D Builder application, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where 3D modeling software is commonly deployed.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the 3D Builder application's file processing pipeline. When the application attempts to parse maliciously crafted 3D model files, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of these files, leading to buffer overflow conditions or other memory corruption issues. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the 3D Builder process, which typically runs with the same privileges as the logged-in user. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through the application's interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21780 extends beyond individual system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access within network environments. Since 3D Builder is commonly pre-installed on Windows systems and may be used in professional settings, the attack surface is broad and includes both enterprise and consumer environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various delivery methods including phishing emails with malicious 3D attachments, compromised websites hosting malicious files, or through supply chain attacks targeting 3D model distribution platforms. Once exploited, the vulnerability can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within networks, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with extensive 3D modeling workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21780 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the vulnerability affects widely distributed software components. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to 3D Builder functionality where possible, and consider disabling the application entirely in environments where it is not required. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file downloads and implement strict file type validation controls, particularly for 3D model formats such as .obj, .stl, .3ds, and other supported formats. Additionally, endpoint detection and response solutions should be configured to monitor for unusual process behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in multimedia applications, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and principle of least privilege execution. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their 3D modeling workflows and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to address similar vulnerabilities in other software components.