CVE-2024-52833 in Substance3D Modeler
Summary
by MITRE • 12/11/2024
Substance3D - Modeler versions 1.14.1 and earlier are affected by a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability that could result in an application denial-of-service. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to crash the application, leading to a denial-of-service condition. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-52833 affects Substance3D Modeler versions 1.14.1 and earlier, representing a critical NULL Pointer Dereference flaw that can be exploited to achieve application denial-of-service conditions. This vulnerability resides within the file parsing functionality of the software, specifically when processing malformed or malicious input files. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to dereference a null pointer during the processing of certain file structures, leading to abrupt application termination and system unresponsiveness.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic null pointer dereference condition where the software fails to properly validate input data before attempting to access memory locations. The issue falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL Pointer Dereference in software applications. When a malicious file is opened, the Modeler application encounters a null reference that it cannot handle gracefully, resulting in an uncontrolled crash. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers Network Denial of Service through application crashes and resource exhaustion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it creates a vector for targeted disruption of creative workflows. Users engaged in 3D modeling and texturing operations could experience unexpected application shutdowns when opening compromised files, potentially leading to data loss and productivity interruptions. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly concerning in collaborative environments where team members might unknowingly open malicious files shared through legitimate channels. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application, making it impossible for users to continue their modeling tasks until the application is restarted and the problematic file is removed from the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-52833 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that have patched this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation protocols and establish secure file handling procedures to prevent unauthorized users from introducing malicious files into their workflows. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of such attacks by restricting file sharing between different security domains. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering tactics that might lead users to open suspicious files. System monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual application behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed audit logs of file operations to facilitate forensic analysis if incidents occur. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and error handling in creative software applications where user-provided content processing is essential for functionality.