CVE-2023-21783 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-2023-21782, 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-2023-21783 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Microsoft's 3D Builder application, which is part of the Windows operating system suite. This vulnerability specifically affects the processing of 3D model files and exposes users to potential exploitation by malicious actors who can craft specially crafted 3D files to trigger arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The flaw exists in how the application handles certain file format parsing operations, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass standard security controls and execute malicious payloads directly on target machines. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as 3D Builder is pre-installed on many Windows systems and is frequently used for viewing and editing 3D models, making it a prime target for exploitation in various attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper memory handling within the 3D file parsing components of the 3D Builder application. When the application processes maliciously crafted 3D model files, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of these files, leading to memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The vulnerability typically manifests through stack-based buffer overflows or heap corruption when parsing specific 3D file formats such as .obj, .3ds, or other supported formats that contain malformed data structures designed to exploit the parsing routines.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise environments and individual users alike. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors for further exploitation. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, allowing for large-scale attacks through phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or other delivery mechanisms. The attack surface extends beyond individual user systems to include corporate networks where 3D Builder might be used for design reviews, product development, or educational purposes. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and engineering where 3D modeling is integral to workflow processes, as it could lead to intellectual property theft or system compromise during routine 3D file handling activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-21783 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the vulnerability affects the core Windows application ecosystem. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to 3D Builder functionality and consider disabling the application entirely if not required for business operations. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file downloads or execution patterns related to 3D file processing and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments. Regular security assessments of 3D modeling applications and file handling processes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components. Additionally, user education regarding safe file handling practices and the risks associated with downloading 3D models from untrusted sources remains critical in reducing the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities.