CVE-2024-52995: Adobe Substance 3D Sampler RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-52995 Overview

CVE-2024-52995 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Substance 3D Sampler versions 4.5.1 and earlier. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The flaw requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious file crafted by an attacker. Adobe addressed the issue in security bulletin APSB24-100.

The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-122] (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write). It affects local attack scenarios where an adversary delivers a malicious sampler project or asset file to a target user.

Critical Impact
Arbitrary code execution under the current user's privileges through a crafted file opened in Substance 3D Sampler.

Affected Products

Adobe Substance 3D Sampler 4.5.1
Adobe Substance 3D Sampler prior to 4.5.1 on Windows
Adobe Substance 3D Sampler prior to 4.5.1 on macOS

Discovery Timeline

2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-52995 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-52995

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2024-52995 is a heap-based buffer overflow ([CWE-122]) in Adobe Substance 3D Sampler. The flaw occurs when the application parses attacker-controlled data from a malicious asset or project file. During parsing, the application writes data past the boundary of a heap-allocated buffer, resulting in an out-of-bounds write ([CWE-787]).

An attacker who controls the overflow can corrupt adjacent heap structures. Depending on the allocator state, this corruption can be leveraged to hijack control flow and execute arbitrary code. The code executes with the same privileges as the user running Substance 3D Sampler.

The vulnerability requires user interaction. Delivery vectors include phishing emails carrying malicious sampler files, files shared through collaboration platforms, or files downloaded from untrusted asset marketplaces.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds validation on data read from a file before it is written into a heap buffer. Adobe has not published low-level details in APSB24-100 beyond the CWE classification and impact.

Attack Vector

Exploitation is local and requires the victim to open a crafted file. The attacker does not need prior authentication or privileges on the target machine. The scope remains unchanged, but confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all fully impacted upon successful exploitation.

The vulnerability manifests during file parsing in Substance 3D Sampler. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-100 for vendor guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52995

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by Adobe Substance 3D Sampler.exe or the macOS equivalent, particularly command interpreters such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or /bin/sh.
Crashes or abnormal terminations of Substance 3D Sampler correlated with opening third-party asset files (.sbs, .sbsar, or associated project files).
Outbound network connections initiated by the Substance 3D Sampler process shortly after a file open event.

Detection Strategies

Monitor endpoint telemetry for process-creation events where Substance 3D Sampler is the parent of scripting or living-off-the-land binaries.
Alert on Substance 3D Sampler processes performing file writes to autorun locations, startup folders, or user profile scripting directories.
Correlate application crash events (Windows Error Reporting, macOS CrashReporter) for Substance 3D Sampler with recent file downloads.

Monitoring Recommendations

Track versions of Adobe Substance 3D Sampler across managed endpoints and flag installations at or below 4.5.1.
Log and review inbound file transfers of Substance 3D project and asset files from external sources.
Enable behavioral endpoint detection for heap corruption exploitation patterns such as ROP-style execution and shellcode allocation in creative applications.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52995

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Adobe Substance 3D Sampler to the fixed version listed in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-100.
Inventory all endpoints running Substance 3D Sampler and prioritize patching for workstations handling files from external contributors.
Instruct users not to open Substance 3D asset or project files received from untrusted sources until patching is complete.

Patch Information

Adobe published fixes in security bulletin APSB24-100 on December 10, 2024. Administrators should apply the update through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or by downloading the latest installer from Adobe. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-100 for the exact fixed build.

Workarounds

Restrict execution of Substance 3D Sampler to users who require it through application control policies.
Route inbound .sbs, .sbsar, and related files through a sandboxed inspection environment before delivery to end users.
Enforce standard-user privileges for creative workstations so successful exploitation does not yield administrative rights.

bash

# Example: query installed Substance 3D Sampler version on Windows endpoints
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" /s /f "Substance 3D Sampler"