CVE-2023-26404 - Cracking Open Adobe Dimension’s Out-of-Bounds Read (Exploit & Analysis)

Adobe Dimension is a 3D rendering and design software, popular among graphic artists and designers. However, in version 3.4.8 (and earlier), a critical security flaw—CVE-2023-26404—was discovered. This bug is classified as an out-of-bounds read vulnerability, meaning it allows someone to read memory that the program wasn’t supposed to reveal. If exploited, this could let an attacker lift sensitive info or aid in bypassing modern exploit defenses like ASLR.

In this exclusive post, we’ll break down how this vulnerability works, show a code snippet to help explain, discuss exploitation paths, and share original references you can dive into for more detail.

What’s an Out-of-Bounds Read?

Before digging into CVE-2023-26404, here’s the gist: an out-of-bounds (OOB) read happens when software reads data past the end, or before the start, of a buffer in memory. This usually leaks memory contents—sometimes revealing secrets or creating a stepping stone for more serious attacks.

Where’s it Found?

The issue sits inside Adobe Dimension’s file parsing code. When you open a certain malicious (crafted) file, Dimension doesn’t check the file’s structure properly, causing it to read outside its expected buffer. The attacker can read memory they shouldn’t see—potentially exposing pointers or other sensitive info in memory.

Attack vector: User must open a booby-trapped file (like a .DN project file)

- Impact: Potential disclosure of sensitive memory, possibly helping defeat Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)

Simple Example Code (Explained)

Let’s imagine a vulnerable parsing scenario similar to what Dimension might do. Suppose Dimension loads an array of vertex positions from a file, but trusts the “count” declared in the file header.

// Simulated vulnerable function in Dimension-like code
void ReadPoints(FILE* file) {
    uint32_t numPoints;
    fread(&numPoints, sizeof(numPoints), 1, file);

    float* points = (float*)malloc(numPoints * sizeof(float));
    // OOB read: no check if numPoints is abnormally large or zero!
    fread(points, sizeof(float), numPoints, file);

    // ... do something with points

    free(points);
}

The bug?
If numPoints is set huge (or maliciously manipulated), fread could read way past file or buffer boundaries. This may pull in unintended data from the process’s memory.

How the Exploit Works

The attacker needs the victim (usually a designer) to open a crafted Dimension project file. Here’s a typical attack flow:

Attacker creates a malicious .DN file

The file reports bogus values inside its project or geometry sections. For example, the file header claims there are 10,000 vertices, but provides less data.

Dimension reads the file

While parsing, Dimension blindly trusts the header and reads inputs into memory, possibly over-reading into uninitialized heap data.

Attacker extracts memory contents

If the file format causes Dimension to export or display values (errors, previews, etc.), some uninitialized memory could end up in user-accessible features—or the attacker could just use the leak to map out memory, helping build a further, more dangerous hack (like defeating ASLR in a chained exploit).

Proof of Concept (PoC) File Structure Example

A hypothetical malicious project file could look something like this (totally simplified for illustration):

ProjectHeader:
  NumVertices: 100000      // absurdly high, will cause an OOB read
  [short vertex data section]

When Dimension loads this, it reads way past the end of the data block, pulling in heap-stored secrets.

Crash the software in a way that gives them more info about its internals

But remember—the attacker still needs the victim to open their malicious file. So, this threat often comes via phishing, social engineering, or poisoned file downloads.

References & Further Reading

- Adobe Security Bulletin APSB23-13 (Original Vendor Advisory)
- NIST NVD entry (CVE-2023-26404)
- Out-of-bounds read explained (MITRE CWE-125)
- What is ASLR? (Address Space Layout Randomization)

Mitigating the Threat

If you use Adobe Dimension, update to the latest patched release (3.4.9 or beyond). Also, never open untrusted project files—especially from emails or links you didn’t seek out yourself!

Developer tip:  
Always validate file input thoroughly. Don’t ever trust headers—bounds check every read!

Final Thoughts

CVE-2023-26404 is classic proof that even the most creative software tools can hide dangerous flaws. By leveraging an out-of-bounds read, an attacker can pluck secrets from memory and potentially open the door to much bigger hacks.

Stay current, stay careful, and always treat strange files with healthy suspicion—especially in your creative workflows!


*Content exclusive for your security learning—feel free to share, but always cite the original advisories for credit.*

Timeline

Published on: 04/12/2023 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/14/2023 03:38:00 UTC