CVE-2023-40484 in Cinema 4D
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
Maxon Cinema 4D SKP File Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Maxon Cinema 4D. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of SKP files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-21432.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
The CVE-2023-40484 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Maxon Cinema 4D software that enables remote code execution through improper handling of SKP file parsing. This vulnerability resides within the software's file processing pipeline where user-supplied data from SKP files is not adequately validated before being copied into fixed-length stack buffers. The flaw constitutes a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the application fails to check the size of incoming data against the allocated buffer space, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns found in CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption. When Cinema 4D processes a malicious SKP file, the application's parsing routine does not properly validate the length of data fields within the file structure before transferring this information to stack-based buffers. This validation failure allows an attacker to craft an SKP file containing oversized data sequences that overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and executable code pointers. The vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it requires user interaction to trigger the malicious file processing but ultimately enables arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, or further network reconnaissance activities. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening infected files provides some defense-in-depth but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as social engineering tactics can effectively bypass this control. Organizations using Cinema 4D for creative workflows, particularly those handling third-party content or collaborating with external partners, face heightened exposure due to the legitimate use cases that involve file sharing and collaboration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40484 should focus on immediate patch application as provided by Maxon, while implementing additional defensive measures to reduce exploitation risk. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent access to malicious SKP files through web-based delivery mechanisms. File validation procedures should be implemented at network perimeters and endpoint devices to scan for potentially malicious SKP files before they reach user workstations. Security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted files from unknown sources, particularly in creative environments where file sharing is common. System hardening measures including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention should be enabled to complicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access controls and least-privilege principles to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.