CVE-2021-45948 : Security Advisory and Response

Open Asset Import Library (aka assimp) 5.1.0 and 5.1.1 has a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that can be exploited by an attacker. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-45707

What is CVE-2021-45707?

The CVE-2021-45707 vulnerability exists in versions 5.1.0 and 5.1.1 of the Open Asset Import Library, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow in _m3d_safestr, commonly called from m3d_load and Assimp::M3DWrapper::M3DWrapper.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45707

This vulnerability can allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45707

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from a heap-based buffer overflow in the _m3d_safestr function, primarily triggered during the loading process within the library.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: 5.1.0, 5.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker through carefully crafted input, leading to the overflow in the affected functions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest patch or update provided by the Open Asset Import Library maintainers.
Restrict network access to vulnerable systems to mitigate the risk of remote exploitation.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate an attempted attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in the software stack.
Implement strong input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflow and similar vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the library maintainers.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay updated with security patches and releases from the Open Asset Import Library to address any known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.