CVE-2026-10197: Assimp glTF2 Null Pointer Dereference Denial of Service

Technical summary

The vulnerability resides in the glTF2Importer::ImportEmbeddedTextures function within code/AssetLib/glTF2/glTF2Importer.cpp. During the import process of embedded textures from glTF2 files, the code fails to properly validate or check for null pointer conditions before dereferencing memory. This results in a crash when the function encounters certain malformed texture data structures. The flaw is classified as CWE-404 (Improper Resource Validation) and CWE-476 (Null Pointer Dereference). Exploitation requires local access to the host system and the ability to place or reference a malicious glTF2 file that the Assimp library will process.

Business impact

Applications integrating Assimp for 3D model processing—commonly found in game engines, CAD software, visualization tools, and media applications—face availability risks. An attacker with local access can cause application crashes by providing crafted model files. While this does not enable data theft or code execution, repeated crashes can disrupt workflows, prevent legitimate file processing, or be weaponized in multi-stage attacks. Organizations relying on Assimp-based pipelines should assess whether untrusted or user-supplied glTF2 files are processed in their environment.

Affected systems

Assimp versions up to and including 6.0.4 are vulnerable. Any application or service that embeds Assimp and processes glTF2 files is potentially affected. This includes 3D modeling tools, game development engines using Assimp for asset import, CAD applications, and media processing pipelines. The threat is localized to scenarios where untrusted glTF2 files can be supplied to the system—such as user-uploaded content, file shares accessible to unprivileged users, or collaborative design environments.

Exploitability

Exploitation is straightforward in terms of mechanism: an attacker crafts a malicious glTF2 file and causes it to be processed by vulnerable Assimp code. However, practical exploitability is constrained by the requirement for local file system access—the attacker cannot remotely trigger this vulnerability over a network. Additionally, the attacker must be able to influence which files the application processes. Public knowledge of the flaw exists, increasing the likelihood that proof-of-concept or exploit tooling may emerge. The low CVSS score (3.3) reflects the local-only attack vector and the absence of confidentiality or integrity impact.

Remediation

Organizations should identify applications and services that depend on Assimp and determine their glTF2 processing exposure. Patching is the primary remediation: monitor Assimp's official repository and release channels for version 6.0.5 or later, which should include the fix currently pending in pull request review. Until a patched release is available, mitigations include restricting which users or processes can supply glTF2 files to Assimp-based tools, validating file sources, and isolating glTF2 processing in restricted execution environments. Code-level workarounds may be possible if building Assimp from source and applying the pending patch locally.

Patch guidance

Verify the official Assimp GitHub repository for a stable release incorporating the fix to glTF2Importer::ImportEmbeddedTextures. When available, upgrade all instances of Assimp to the patched version. If building from source, track the merged pull request and compile a version that includes the null pointer check. Test patched versions against your existing glTF2 asset library to ensure compatibility. For organizations using Assimp as a third-party dependency, check your package manager or bundled version and update the consuming application once patches become available.

Detection guidance

Monitor application logs for crashes or segmentation faults originating from Assimp's glTF2Importer. Observe patterns of glTF2 file processing failures correlating with specific file characteristics or sources. File integrity monitoring on directories where glTF2 assets are stored can flag unexpected or malicious additions. In development and testing environments, fuzz glTF2 files to identify additional potential null pointer issues before code reaches production. Security monitoring of file access and process execution can help detect scenarios where untrusted users are supplying files to Assimp-based tools.

Why prioritize this

Although the CVSS score is low, this vulnerability should not be ignored. Public exploit availability, combined with the commonality of Assimp in 3D graphics pipelines, means adversaries have both knowledge and motivation to exploit it. Organizations processing user-supplied or externally sourced glTF2 files should prioritize patching once releases are available. Even for environments with tighter local-access controls, the absence of a stable patch release creates a window of risk that warrants awareness and proactive remediation planning.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 3.3 (Low) reflects three key factors: (1) Attack Vector: Local only—the attacker must have file system access to place or reference a malicious file; (2) Attack Complexity: Low—once access is gained, triggering the crash requires minimal effort; (3) Impact: Availability only—the vulnerability causes denial of service (application crash) but does not compromise confidentiality or integrity. The score appropriately downweights the severity given the local-access barrier, but does not eliminate the need for timely remediation, particularly in environments where user-supplied glTF2 files are routine.

Frequently asked questions