CVE-2026-10198 in Assimp
Summary
by MITRE • 06/01/2026
A flaw has been found in Assimp up to 6.0.4. Affected by this vulnerability is the function Assimp::glTFImporter::ImportMeshes of the file glTFImporter.cpp of the component glTFImporter. This manipulation causes null pointer dereference. The attack is restricted to local execution. The exploit has been published and may be used. The project tagged the reported issue as bug.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2026
The vulnerability in Assimp version 6.0.4 and earlier affects the glTFImporter component, specifically the Assimp::glTFImporter::ImportMeshes function within the glTFImporter.cpp file. This represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw that occurs during the processing of glTF (GL Transmission Format) files, which are commonly used for 3D model transmission in applications ranging from gaming engines to CAD software. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the import pipeline, where the function fails to properly check for null pointers before dereferencing them during mesh processing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local execution capabilities and has been demonstrated through published exploits, indicating that attackers can trigger the null pointer dereference by crafting malicious glTF files that cause the importer to access uninitialized or null memory references. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities through local privilege escalation or code execution. The attack vector is limited to local execution contexts, meaning that remote exploitation is not possible through network-based attacks, but local code execution remains a significant concern for applications that process untrusted glTF content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the application using Assimp. When exploited successfully, the null pointer dereference can cause the application to terminate unexpectedly or, in more sophisticated scenarios, allow attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious code. This poses serious risks for applications that rely on Assimp for 3D content processing, including game engines, 3D modeling applications, and any software that imports glTF files from potentially untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects the broader ecosystem of software that depends on Assimp for 3D asset handling, creating cascading security implications across multiple applications and platforms.
Organizations and developers should prioritize immediate patching of Assimp to version 6.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this null pointer dereference vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures when processing glTF files can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar issues. The mitigation strategy should include restricting the execution of untrusted glTF files, implementing proper error handling within the import pipeline, and conducting regular security assessments of 3D asset processing components. System administrators should also monitor for any suspicious file processing activities and ensure that applications using Assimp are regularly updated to maintain security posture against known vulnerabilities.