CVE-2024-45141 in Substance3D Stager
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
Substance3D - Stager versions 3.0.3 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 • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45141 affects Substance3D Stager versions 3.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides within the software's file processing capabilities and specifically targets the stager component used in the Substance3D ecosystem. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted files, creating a condition where memory operations exceed allocated boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow issue that falls under the CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write category, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that allows attackers to write data beyond the intended memory allocation. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must actively open a malicious file for exploitation to occur, making this a user-initiated attack rather than an automated system compromise. This requirement for user interaction does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability, as it can still lead to complete system compromise when successful.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the stager component's failure to properly validate input data when processing specific file formats. When a malicious file is opened, the application's memory management routines do not adequately check array bounds or buffer limits, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory locations beyond the intended allocation. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program data, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately enabling the execution of malicious code within the context of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates at the user level, meaning that successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user data, system file manipulation, and potential privilege escalation depending on the user's permissions. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that attackers can exploit through carefully crafted input data, making this vulnerability both reliable and dangerous in practice.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45141 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to the security posture of organizations using Substance3D Stager software. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering tactics, such as sending malicious files via email or hosting them on compromised websites, knowing that users will likely open them without suspicion. The vulnerability's presence in the stager component means that it could affect the entire Substance3D workflow, potentially compromising design assets, project files, and user data that are processed through the affected software. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute commands through the compromised application. Organizations using Substance3D products face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to creative workflows, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for creative industries and design firms that heavily rely on such software. The user interaction requirement does provide some defense in depth, but it also means that user education and awareness become critical components of overall security strategy.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-45141 primarily focus on immediate software updates and user behavior modification. Organizations should prioritize updating to Substance3D Stager versions that have patched this vulnerability, as vendors typically release security patches to address such memory corruption issues. The update process should be implemented across all affected systems within the organization to prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing strict file validation and filtering mechanisms can help reduce the risk of users opening malicious files, particularly in environments where the software is used for sensitive project work. Network-level controls such as email filtering, web proxies, and content inspection can provide additional layers of protection by blocking suspicious file types or sources before they reach user workstations. User education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding opening unexpected files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted websites. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing automated patch management systems to ensure that security fixes are applied promptly across all systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns or attempts to access restricted system resources that could indicate exploitation attempts, as these may be early indicators of vulnerability exploitation.