CVE-2023-21782 in 3D Builder
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2023
3D Builder Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2023-21780, CVE-2023-21781, 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-2023-21782 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft 3D Builder, a desktop application designed for creating and editing 3D models. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of 3D model files, particularly when processing certain file formats that contain malformed or maliciously crafted data structures. The flaw exists in the parsing mechanism that processes 3D object data, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to craft specially formatted 3D files that can trigger arbitrary code execution when opened by the vulnerable application.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management and input validation within the 3D Builder's file parsing subsystem. When the application attempts to load a 3D model file, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of the file before processing it, creating a potential buffer overflow condition or memory corruption scenario. This weakness allows an attacker to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the user running the application, typically resulting in full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write errors. The attack vector requires the victim to open a malicious 3D file, making this a classic user-initiated attack scenario.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-21782 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated means of gaining persistent access to affected systems. Once executed, the remote code execution allows threat actors to install additional malware, establish backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised machine. The vulnerability affects Microsoft 3D Builder versions released prior to the security update, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet applied the necessary patches. 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 content repositories.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1203 technique for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it an attractive target for social engineering campaigns. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or restricting access to the 3D Builder application until patches are applied, implementing strict file type filtering for 3D model files, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for applications that process complex file formats with multiple data structures. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems are protected against potential exploitation attempts.