CVE-2023-48629 in Substance 3D Sampler
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2023
Adobe Substance 3D Sampler versions 4.2.1 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2024
Adobe Substance 3D Sampler version 4.2.1 and earlier contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified as cwe-787 which represents a fundamental flaw in memory management during file processing operations. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of specially crafted input files that trigger improper bounds checking during parsing of complex 3D asset data structures. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer boundaries while processing texture or material files, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user.
The exploitation scenario requires social engineering to convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted file, making this a user-interaction dependent vulnerability that aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tactic of privilege escalation and code execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory boundary checks within the file parsing routines that handle complex 3D sampling data formats. When the application encounters malformed data structures in imported files, it fails to properly validate buffer sizes before performing write operations, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payload data.
This vulnerability poses significant operational risks to organizations that rely on Adobe Substance 3D Sampler for creative workflows, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious file sharing platforms. The out-of-bounds write condition creates opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. Security professionals should note that the vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement capabilities within compromised environments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Adobe Substance 3D Sampler version 4.2.2 or later which contains the necessary patches to address the memory boundary checking flaws. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation policies, restricting user access to potentially malicious file types, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted files. Network-based defenses should include monitoring for suspicious file transfer activities and implementing sandboxing techniques for file processing operations. The vulnerability's classification under cwe-787 emphasizes the critical importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in preventing such exploitation scenarios.