CVE-2024-45142 in Substance3D Stager
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
Substance3D - Stager versions 3.0.3 and earlier are affected by a Write-what-where Condition vulnerability that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. This vulnerability allows an attacker to write a controlled value to an arbitrary memory location, potentially leading to code execution. 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-2024-45142 affects Substance3D Stager versions 3.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical write-what-where condition that fundamentally compromises system security. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of "Out-of-bounds Write" and specifically manifests as a condition where an attacker can control both the value to be written and the memory location where it will be written. The flaw exists within the software's handling of file processing operations, particularly when parsing maliciously crafted input files that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the stager's file processing logic where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted file structures. When a victim opens a malicious file, the stager's parsing routine executes code that writes controlled data to predetermined memory addresses, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user account. This condition creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the user who opened the malicious file. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, making it a targeted attack vector that relies on social engineering or phishing techniques to deliver the malicious payload.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45142 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further system exploration and lateral movement. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, offering attackers multiple paths for persistent access and data exfiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations using Substance3D Stager for design and creative workflows, as these applications often handle files from external sources or collaborative environments where malicious inputs could be introduced. The vulnerability's presence in the stager component means that any user who opens a compromised file will be directly affected, potentially compromising entire creative pipelines and design environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version updates to Substance3D Stager 3.0.4 or later, which contain patches addressing the write-what-where condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and sandboxing measures for any files processed through the stager application, particularly those originating from untrusted sources. Network-level controls such as application whitelisting and file integrity monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files and the importance of verifying file sources should be emphasized. The vulnerability's classification as a user interaction requirement means that traditional network-based defenses alone may be insufficient, necessitating comprehensive endpoint security measures including behavior monitoring and exploit prevention systems. Regular security assessments of creative software environments are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other design and productivity applications that may present similar attack vectors.