CVE-2023-40489 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-21437.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
The CVE-2023-40489 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Maxon Cinema 4D's handling of SKP (SketchUp) files, exposing users to significant remote code execution risks. This vulnerability resides in the software's file parsing mechanism where insufficient input validation leads to memory safety issues. The flaw specifically manifests when Cinema 4D processes maliciously crafted SKP files, creating conditions where freed memory objects can be accessed and manipulated by attackers. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means attackers can compromise systems without direct physical access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content through web browsing or file sharing.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, and relates to the broader category of memory safety issues in software development. The flaw occurs during the parsing phase of SKP files when the application fails to validate whether objects exist before performing operations on them, creating a window where attackers can manipulate memory contents. This type of vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw under the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique, specifically targeting the exploitation of software vulnerabilities through file-based attacks. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious pages or opening malicious files indicates this vulnerability follows a typical phishing or social engineering attack pattern while leveraging the software's legitimate file processing capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-40489 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and compromise entire systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Maxon Cinema 4D, particularly those in creative industries, architecture, engineering, and design sectors where SketchUp files are commonly shared and processed. The remote nature of the exploit means that organizations cannot rely solely on network segmentation to protect against this threat, as attackers can deliver malicious SKP files through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. Security teams must consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and incident response planning, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass traditional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40489 should include immediate patching of affected Maxon Cinema 4D installations, as provided by the vendor's security updates. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for files received from external sources or untrusted networks. Network-based security controls such as web proxies, email filtering, and endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan and block suspicious SKP files. User education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unknown or unexpected files, particularly in creative environments where file sharing is common. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized software and reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for unpatched software versions to ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar memory safety vulnerabilities.