CVE-2025-3548
📋 TL;DR
This critical vulnerability in Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) allows heap-based buffer overflow via the aiString::Set function when processing malicious 3D model files. Attackers can execute arbitrary code or crash applications using Assimp. All applications that load 3D models with Assimp versions up to 5.4.3 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Open Asset Import Library (Assimp)
📦 What is this software?
Assimp by Assimp
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Application crashes (denial of service) when processing malicious 3D files, potentially disrupting workflows.
If Mitigated
Limited to application crashes if memory protections (ASLR, DEP) are effective, but RCE remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Proof-of-concept exploit code is publicly available in the GitHub issue. Attack requires user to open malicious 3D file.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.4.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/assimp/assimp/issues/6068
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Assimp to version 5.4.4 or later. 2. Rebuild any applications using Assimp with the updated library. 3. Restart affected applications/services.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation
allImplement strict validation of 3D model files before processing with Assimp.
Memory Protections
allEnable ASLR and DEP at OS level to reduce exploit success probability.
Windows: bcdedit /set {current} nx AlwaysOn
Linux: echo 2 > /proc/sys/kernel/randomize_va_space
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to limit damage from potential exploitation
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Assimp version: if version <= 5.4.3, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
assimp version (CLI) or check library version in applicationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Assimp version is 5.4.4 or later and test with known malicious 3D files.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when loading 3D files
- Memory access violation errors in logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections after processing 3D files
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND ProcessName contains 'assimp' OR Application contains 'assimp'