CVE-2024-45679 in Assimp
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
Heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Assimp versions prior to 5.4.3 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code by importing a specially crafted file into the product.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2024
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45679 resides within the Assimp library, a widely-used open-source software for importing and exporting 3d assets in various formats. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 5.4.3 and represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited by local attackers to execute arbitrary code. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the library's file parsing routines, creating a condition where maliciously crafted 3d model files can trigger memory corruption during the import process. Assimp is commonly integrated into game engines, 3d modeling applications, and various software development tools, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be leveraged across multiple application domains.
The technical flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when the application writes more data to a heap-allocated buffer than it can hold. This specific vulnerability in Assimp's file processing code fails to properly validate the size of incoming data structures during the parsing of 3d asset files. When a maliciously crafted file is imported, the library's parsing functions do not adequately check buffer boundaries, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is categorized as a memory safety issue that directly enables code execution exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly across the software ecosystem that relies on Assimp for 3d asset handling. Attackers with local access to systems running applications that utilize vulnerable versions of Assimp can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges and execute malicious code with the same privileges as the affected application. This is particularly dangerous in environments where Assimp is used in game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, 3d modeling software such as Blender, or any application that imports 3d content from untrusted sources. The local execution requirement means that the attacker must already have access to the system, but this access can be gained through various initial compromise vectors, making the vulnerability exploitable in scenarios involving privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-45679 primarily focus on updating to Assimp version 5.4.3 or later, which includes patches addressing the heap overflow conditions. System administrators and developers should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing vulnerable versions of Assimp, particularly those handling 3d content from external sources. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying additional security controls such as application whitelisting, sandboxing of 3d asset import processes, and network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and dependency management practices, as highlighted in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-128 for software security. Additionally, developers should consider implementing address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other exploit mitigation techniques to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts, though the primary defense remains the application of the official security patches provided by the Assimp project maintainers.