CVE-2024-53005 - Out-of-Bounds Read in Substance3D Modeler Exposes Sensitive Memory

A serious vulnerability, CVE-2024-53005, has been discovered in Adobe Substance3D Modeler, versions 1.14.1 and earlier. The flaw allows attackers to read sensitive memory from the affected system. If exploited, this issue can help bypass important security mitigations like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). Fortunately, exploitation isn't automatic—a victim would need to open a malicious file for the attack to work.

What Is Out-of-Bounds Read?

Out-of-bounds (OOB) read bugs happen when a program reads data past the end or before the start of a valid memory buffer. This can cause the application to return, download, display, or process unrelated sensitive data, such as system pointers, file contents, or other confidential information.

In context, Substance3D Modeler improperly validates file data boundaries, potentially exposing memory locations not meant to be shared.

How It Works

An attacker creates a booby-trapped Modeler project file. When a user opens it in a vulnerable version of Substance3D Modeler, the app reads past the intended file buffer, disclosing sensitive information from memory—perhaps pointers or even elements of the application stack, which are otherwise protected by ASLR.

Example: Simple OOB Read in C++

Here’s a simplified, imaginary code snippet to illustrate the problem. This is not Substance3D Modeler’s real code but helps visualize what could go wrong.

// Imagine 'buffer' is loaded from a user-supplied file
char buffer[256];
int index = readIndexFromFile();  // Reads an index value from file input

// No proper bounds check!
char value = buffer[index];  // OOB Read if 'index' <  or index >= 256

// If the crafted file sets 'index' = 300:
   // reads memory beyond 'buffer', can leak sensitive info

In real attacks:
Instead of 'index,' there might be complex data parsing with missing bounds checks, but the danger is the same.

Exploit Scenario: Step by Step

1. Attacker crafts a malicious .sxmd (Substance3D Modeler Document) file, intentionally structuring data to cause an out-of-bounds read.

The application, failing to validate file data boundaries, performs an out-of-bounds read.

4. Sensitive memory is pulled and may be reported as an error, included in output, or further parsed—leaking information.
5. Attacker leverages leaked memory details (like ASLR-protected addresses) for further exploitation or escalation.

Update Substance3D Modeler to the latest version as soon as possible.

- Adobe Security Bulletin for CVE-2024-53005

References

- Adobe APSB24-45 Security Bulletin
- NIST NVD CVE-2024-53005 Record
- Understanding Out-of-Bounds Reads
- About ASLR

Conclusion

CVE-2024-53005 is a classic example of how a simple software mistake can have serious security consequences. The OOB read bug in Substance3D Modeler reminds us why strict input validation is crucial, especially in applications that handle complex file formats. While the risk is reduced because the user must open a malicious file, the impact—leaking sensitive memory and potentially bypassing ASLR—means it's vital for users to update right away and be cautious with project files from unknown sources.

Stay aware. Stay updated. And always verify your sources.

Timeline

Published on: 12/10/2024 22:15:24 UTC
Last modified on: 12/12/2024 18:25:58 UTC