CVE-2023-40488 in Cinema 4D
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
Maxon Cinema 4D SKP File Parsing Use-After-Free 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 validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-21436.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
The CVE-2023-40488 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Maxon Cinema 4D's handling of SKP (SketchUp) files, constituting a significant remote code execution risk for affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the file parsing mechanism that processes SketchUp format files, which are commonly used in 3D modeling and animation workflows. The flaw specifically manifests when the application attempts to process maliciously crafted SKP files without proper validation of object existence before executing operations on those objects. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain remote access and execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the SKP file parsing process where the application fails to validate whether objects referenced in the file actually exist before attempting to access or manipulate them. When a malicious SKP file contains crafted references to non-existent objects, the application's memory management system can be manipulated to execute code in the context of the running process. This particular weakness allows attackers to leverage the application's legitimate file processing capabilities to perform unauthorized operations, essentially turning the software's intended functionality into an attack vector. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, typically through social engineering tactics where users are tricked into opening a malicious SKP file, though the execution occurs automatically once the file is processed. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Cinema 4D is widely used in professional 3D animation and design environments where users frequently exchange files with colleagues and clients.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain complete control over affected systems running vulnerable versions of Maxon Cinema 4D. This remote code execution capability allows adversaries to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised systems. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on 3D modeling software for creative workflows, potentially exposing them to significant security risks during collaborative projects where file sharing is common. The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets creative professionals who may be less security-aware and more likely to open files from untrusted sources, creating an environment where successful exploitation can occur with minimal technical sophistication. Organizations using Cinema 4D for professional work are at risk of having their design assets compromised and their production workflows disrupted by attackers leveraging this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40488 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as file filtering to prevent the download or opening of potentially malicious SKP files, particularly from untrusted sources. The implementation of application whitelisting and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection by restricting the execution of unauthorized code and containing potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough network monitoring to detect suspicious file access patterns and implement user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. Given the nature of the flaw, which involves memory corruption, organizations should consider deploying exploit protection mechanisms and ensuring that all users are running the latest patched versions of Maxon Cinema 4D. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly important to maintain comprehensive incident response procedures that can quickly identify and contain exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should perform regular security assessments of their 3D modeling and design workflows to identify other potential attack vectors that may exist within their creative software environments.