CVE-2026-10197 in Assimp
Summary
by MITRE • 06/01/2026
A vulnerability was detected in Assimp up to 6.0.4. Affected is the function glTF2Importer::ImportEmbeddedTextures in the library code/AssetLib/glTF2/glTF2Importer.cpp of the component TF File Handler. The manipulation results in null pointer dereference. The attack is only possible with local access. The exploit is now public and may be used. It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue. The pull request to fix this issue awaits acceptance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2026
The vulnerability identified in Assimp version 6.0.4 and earlier represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the glTF2Importer::ImportEmbeddedTextures function. This issue resides in the AssetLib/glTF2/glTF2Importer.cpp file, specifically affecting the TF File Handler component of the library. The flaw manifests when processing glTF2 files that contain embedded textures, creating a scenario where the application attempts to dereference a null pointer during the texture import process. The vulnerability requires local access for exploitation, meaning an attacker must have the ability to execute code on the target system and provide a maliciously crafted glTF2 file for the attack to succeed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. When the glTF2 importer encounters certain malformed or specially crafted embedded texture data, the code path fails to properly validate pointer references before attempting to access them. This results in a program crash or potential memory corruption that could be exploited for more severe attacks. The attack vector is limited to local execution due to the nature of the file processing and the requirement for the application to be running with sufficient privileges to process the malicious file. However, the public availability of exploit code significantly increases the risk surface for systems that process glTF2 files, particularly in environments where untrusted content might be processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can potentially lead to denial of service conditions that affect legitimate users of applications built on top of Assimp. Systems that rely on Assimp for 3D model processing, including game engines, CAD applications, and content management systems, could experience service interruptions when processing malicious glTF2 files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where Assimp might be used to process user-uploaded 3D content, as it could be exploited to cause system instability or even provide a foothold for further attacks. The fact that a public exploit exists means that this vulnerability is likely to be actively targeted by threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application as soon as the fix becomes available in the official Assimp repository. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures before deploying any updates to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications. Additionally, defensive programming measures should be considered, including input validation for glTF2 files and implementing sandboxing techniques when processing untrusted 3D content. The fix should be incorporated into security monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software stack. Organizations using Assimp in production environments should also consider implementing file access controls and automated scanning systems to prevent unauthorized file processing. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle.