CVE-2017-12086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Blender open-source 3D creation suite contains a vulnerability in the 'BKE_mesh_calc_normals_tessface' function, allowing for a buffer overflow and potential code execution.

Understanding CVE-2017-12086

Blender software is susceptible to a critical security flaw that could be exploited by an attacker to run arbitrary code on a victim's system.

What is CVE-2017-12086?

The vulnerability in Blender involves an exploitable integer overflow that can be triggered by a specially crafted .blend file, leading to a buffer overflow. This could enable an attacker to execute malicious code within the application's context.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12086

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 8.8. It poses a significant risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12086

Blender's vulnerability details and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

An integer overflow in the 'BKE_mesh_calc_normals_tessface' function of Blender allows for a buffer overflow, enabling arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Blender
Vendor: Blender
Version: v2.78c

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to convince a user to open a malicious .blend file, triggering the buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2017-12086.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Blender to the latest patched version.
Avoid opening .blend files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Implement security best practices for file handling and software usage.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Educate users on safe computing practices and awareness of social engineering tactics.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that Blender is regularly updated with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.