CVE-2025-21165: Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability in Substance3D – Designer Leading to Arbitrary Code Execution

Overview

The cybersecurity world has just encountered a notable vulnerability in Substance3D – Designer, versions 14.1 and earlier. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-21165, exposes users to potential system compromise or data leakage due to its out-of-bounds write nature. The vulnerability is of particular concern because it could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. This threat makes it crucial for any organization using Substance3D – Designer to understand what this means for their security posture and to take immediate action to mitigate potential risks.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-21165
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS Score)
Attack Vector: Malicious file
Privileges Required: User level
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

Substance3D – Designer | Versions 14.1 and earlier

How the Exploit Works

The exploit takes advantage of an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Substance3D – Designer. An attacker would craft a malicious file, which, when opened by the user, triggers the vulnerability and allows for arbitrary code execution. This arbitrary code runs in the context of the user who opens the file, meaning that the attacker can gain the same access rights as the current user. This vulnerability opens the door for potential system compromise or data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Here is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited:

# Create a malicious file with out-of-bounds data that triggers the vulnerability
echo "out-of-bounds-data" > malicious_file.designer
# The user opens the malicious file with Substance3D - Designer
substance3d-designer open malicious_file.designer
# This triggers the vulnerability and allows for arbitrary code execution

Please note this code is a conceptual representation and not a working example of the exploit.

Mitigation Guidance

The best way to mitigate CVE-2025-21165 is to apply the vendor patch. If the patch cannot be applied immediately, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can provide temporary mitigation. These can be configured to detect and block attempts to exploit the vulnerability. Regular software updates and maintaining a robust security infrastructure are also critical steps in preventing such vulnerabilities from being exploited.