CVE-2024-52999: Adobe Substance 3D Modeler Buffer Overflow

CVE-2024-52999 Overview

CVE-2024-52999 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability [CWE-122] affecting Adobe Substance 3D Modeler versions 1.14.1 and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a malicious file crafted by an attacker. Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting mass-exploitation scenarios but keeping the vulnerability practical for targeted phishing and supply chain attacks against 3D content creation workflows. Adobe published the security bulletin APSB24-102 addressing this issue alongside related vulnerabilities in the Substance 3D product line.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, enabling attackers to install malware, steal data, or pivot into internal networks.

Affected Products

Adobe Substance 3D Modeler 1.14.1 and earlier versions
Windows installations of Substance 3D Modeler
macOS installations of Substance 3D Modeler

Discovery Timeline

2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-52999 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-52999

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow [CWE-122] combined with an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in the file parsing logic of Substance 3D Modeler. When the application processes a specially crafted 3D asset or project file, insufficient bounds checking on heap-allocated buffers allows attacker-controlled data to overwrite adjacent heap memory.

Attackers can leverage this corruption to overwrite function pointers, virtual table entries, or heap metadata. Controlled overwrites redirect execution flow to attacker-supplied shellcode, achieving arbitrary code execution in the user's security context. The attack complexity is low once a malicious file reaches the target.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incorrect validation of size parameters read from untrusted file input before the parser copies data into heap-allocated buffers. This class of defect commonly appears in binary asset parsers where structure fields dictate copy lengths without cross-checking against actual buffer capacity.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious Substance 3D Modeler project or asset file through email, cloud collaboration platforms, or compromised asset marketplaces. The victim must open the file within a vulnerable version of Substance 3D Modeler for exploitation to occur.

// No public proof-of-concept code is available for CVE-2024-52999.
// Refer to the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-102 for advisory details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52999

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by Adobe Substance 3D Modeler.exe, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or scripting engines
Substance 3D Modeler crashes followed by suspicious file writes or network connections from the process
Substance 3D project or asset files received from untrusted sources or embedded in phishing lures
Unexpected outbound connections from the Substance 3D Modeler process to unknown external hosts

Detection Strategies

Monitor process creation events where Substance 3D Modeler is the parent process of interpreters, shells, or system binaries
Alert on heap corruption crash telemetry from Substance 3D Modeler, which often precedes successful exploitation attempts
Inspect email gateways and file-sharing platforms for Substance 3D file formats originating outside trusted design teams

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable endpoint telemetry that captures parent-child process lineage for creative and design software
Log file writes to autorun and startup locations initiated by design applications
Correlate application crash reports with subsequent authentication events on the affected workstation

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52999

Immediate Actions Required

Update Adobe Substance 3D Modeler to the fixed version listed in Adobe security bulletin APSB24-102
Restrict opening of Substance 3D project files to those received from verified internal or trusted external sources
Educate 3D artists and designers on the risks of opening unsolicited project files or assets from unknown marketplaces

Patch Information

Adobe released a patch addressing CVE-2024-52999. Refer to the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-102 for the fixed version and installation guidance. All users of Substance 3D Modeler 1.14.1 and earlier should upgrade immediately.

Workarounds

Block inbound email attachments with Substance 3D file extensions at the mail gateway until patching is complete
Run Substance 3D Modeler under a standard user account rather than an administrator account to limit post-exploitation impact
Isolate design workstations from sensitive network segments while patch deployment is in progress

bash

# Verify installed version on Windows via PowerShell
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
  Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "*Substance 3D Modeler*" } |
  Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion