CVE-2024-45152 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.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45152 affects Substance3D Stager versions 3.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that exposes users to potential arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides within the software's file processing mechanisms and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, where an application writes data past the end of a allocated buffer or memory region. The flaw specifically impacts the stager component responsible for handling file operations within the Substance3D ecosystem, which is commonly used for 3D asset management and content creation workflows. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, making it a user-initiated attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 User Execution: Malicious File.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during file parsing operations within the stager application. When processing specially crafted files, the application fails to validate array indices or buffer limits, allowing malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The out-of-bounds write condition typically occurs during file format parsing when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating a pathway for code injection attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that Substance3D is widely used in creative industries and professional 3D content creation environments where users frequently open files from various sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45152 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to user systems within professional creative workflows. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access within environments where Substance3D is actively used. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering could be employed to convince users to open malicious files. Organizations using Substance3D software face potential compromise of their 3D asset pipelines, design work, and creative processes, with attackers potentially gaining access to proprietary content and intellectual property. The vulnerability's presence in stager versions 3.0.3 and earlier creates a substantial risk profile, as many users may not have updated their installations, leaving them exposed to exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-45152 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the out-of-bounds write vulnerability, following the vendor's security advisories and release notes. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to reduce the risk of exploitation through malicious file opening. The implementation of application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide additional defense layers, preventing unauthorized code execution even if exploitation occurs. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software within their environments and establish monitoring procedures for detecting potential exploitation attempts. Given the ATT&CK framework implications, security teams should focus on user behavior monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities to identify anomalous file opening activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in future releases.