CVE-2023-25010: Uninitialized Variable in USD Files Leads to Code Execution

A new vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-25010, has been recently discovered in software that deals with Universal Scene Description (USD) files. This vulnerability allows a malicious actor to trigger an uninitialized variable, potentially leading to remote code execution. USD files are widely used to store and exchange 3D scene data and are commonly used in the VFX, animation, and gaming industries. In this post, we will discuss the details of this particular vulnerability, provide a code snippet demonstrating the issue, and outline the possible exploits of this weakness.

The Vulnerability

The vulnerability stems from certain software that improperly handles USD files. When a user opens a specific malicious USD file, the software may allow an uninitialized variable to run, potentially leading to code execution. This could grant the attacker control over the victim's system, depending on the level of access the compromised software has on the device.

The vulnerable code snippet is as follows

SdfLayerRefPtr layer = SdfLayer::CreateNew("Malicious.usd");
UsdStageRefPtr stage = UsdStage::Open(layer);
PxRAssetRefPtr prim = stage->GetPrimAtPath(SdfPath("/Root"));

// Vulnerable code snippet.
void processPrim(UsdPrim prim) {
  int uninitializedVar;
  if (prim.IsValid()) {
    processPrimData(prim, &uninitializedVar);
  } else {
    useUnitializedValue(uninitializedVar);
  }
}

processPrim(prim);

In this code snippet, the uninitializedVar in the processPrim function might never get initialized if prim.IsValid() returns false. However, the code proceeds to use the uninitialized value regardless, leading to unspecified behavior.

Exploit Details

An attacker, with knowledge of this vulnerability, may create a malicious USD file that specifically targets the aforementioned code snippet. By convincing a victim to open this malicious USD file with the vulnerable software, the attacker may exploit the uninitialized variable and potentially execute code on the victim's system.

To minimize the risk of falling victim to this vulnerability, users should ensure that their software is up-to-date and obtain USD files from trusted sources only. The developers of the affected software should also implement proper handling of error cases and ensure variables are initialized before being used.

Original References

1. CVE-2023-25010 CVE Reference
2. NVD - CVE-2023-25010
3. Security Advisory for CVE-2023-25010

Conclusion

CVE-2023-25010 highlights the importance of proper handling of input files and the initialization of variables in code. This vulnerability can have severe consequences, including unauthorized access and the potential for remote code execution. Therefore, it is crucial for software developers and end-users to remain vigilant and up-to-date with the latest security patches and best practices.

Timeline

Published on: 04/17/2023 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/25/2023 16:17:00 UTC