CVE-2024-53006 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53006 affects Substance3D Modeler versions 1.14.1 and earlier, representing a critical NULL Pointer Dereference flaw that compromises application stability and availability. This issue resides within the software's file processing mechanisms, specifically when handling malformed or malicious input files. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to properly validate pointer references during file parsing operations, creating a condition where the application attempts to access memory through a null reference. Such behavior fundamentally violates standard software execution principles and represents a classic example of improper input validation as outlined in CWE-476. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and input processing, where the application fails to implement adequate null checks before dereferencing pointers that may not have been properly initialized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, creating a significant risk for users who regularly work with 3D modeling files and collaborate with external content sources. When exploited, the vulnerability results in immediate application termination, forcing users to restart the software and potentially lose unsaved work. This denial-of-service condition can be particularly disruptive in professional environments where 3D modeling workflows are time-sensitive and collaborative. The requirement for user interaction to trigger the exploit adds a layer of social engineering complexity, as attackers must convince victims to open malicious files, though this does not diminish the severity of the impact. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the software, making it impossible for users to continue their modeling tasks until the application is manually restarted and the problematic file is removed from the workflow.
The exploitation vector for this vulnerability requires victim interaction through file opening, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and execution phases. Attackers could potentially distribute malicious 3D model files through various channels including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or compromised websites, targeting users who frequently import external content. The attack surface is particularly concerning for creative professionals and design teams who regularly exchange files with external collaborators or download content from third-party sources. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability when implementing network security controls, as it represents a potential entry point for attackers seeking to disrupt creative workflows or gain access to sensitive design data. The vulnerability's classification as a NULL Pointer Dereference also indicates potential for further exploitation if the application's crash behavior can be manipulated to trigger additional memory corruption or if the vulnerability exists in other components of the Substance3D suite.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected versions, with users upgrading to versions 1.14.2 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement file validation procedures and restrict the import of external 3D files from untrusted sources until the patch is deployed. Network security controls can be enhanced through content filtering and sandboxing of suspicious files before user access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and proper error handling in software development practices, particularly for applications that process complex binary file formats. Security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing automated scanning for malicious 3D model files within their networks. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the risks of opening untrusted 3D files and the importance of verifying file sources before import operations. The incident underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing, including fuzzing and memory corruption analysis, during software development lifecycle phases to identify and address such fundamental flaws before they can be exploited in production environments.