CVE-2026-14610: Assimp CSM File Handler Heap Buffer Overflow (CVSS 5.3)

Technical summary

CVE-2026-14610 is a heap buffer overflow in Open Asset Import Library (Assimp) versions up to 6.0.5, specifically in the CSMImporter::InternReadFile function within code/AssetLib/CSM/CSMLoader.cpp. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking when parsing CSM (Collada Scene Master) model files, allowing an attacker to write beyond allocated heap memory. This maps to CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) and CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow). The attack vector is local with low complexity; no elevation of privilege is required beyond standard user context, and no user interaction is necessary once a malicious CSM file is processed.

Business impact

Organizations using Assimp in desktop applications, game engines, 3D visualization tools, or asset processing pipelines face integrity and availability risks. A malicious CSM file could trigger an application crash (denial of service) or, in carefully crafted scenarios, leak sensitive data from application memory. For teams that auto-import untrusted 3D assets or process user-submitted models, the risk is elevated. Development environments and CI/CD pipelines that build or test 3D content are also potential attack surfaces.

Affected systems

Assimp versions up to and including 6.0.5 are confirmed vulnerable. Any software embedding Assimp—including game engines, CAD tools, 3D viewers, and graphics applications—inherits this risk if running on affected library versions. The vulnerability is local-execution only, meaning the attacker must either have direct system access or trick a user into opening a malicious model file with an application that uses the vulnerable library.

Exploitability

Exploitability is moderate. The flaw requires local access and a specially crafted CSM file; it cannot be exploited remotely over a network. However, public exploit code is now available, lowering the technical barrier for attackers. Any user with the ability to place a file on a shared system or send a malicious 3D asset to a target running Assimp-based software can trigger the overflow. The attack does not require special privileges, making it accessible to standard users on multi-user systems.

Remediation

Update Assimp to a patched version that includes commit eb84eec580d3f4ba2f0fd87409b7d0744620f11e or later. Organizations should verify the specific release version that incorporates this fix by consulting the Assimp project repository or release notes. For applications embedding Assimp, coordinate updates with development teams and rebuild affected binaries. Until patches are deployed, restrict processing of CSM files from untrusted sources and disable CSM import functionality if not required.

Patch guidance

The authoritative patch is identified by commit hash eb84eec580d3f4ba2f0fd87409b7d0744620f11e in the Assimp repository. Verify against the official Assimp project (GitHub) to confirm which release version(s) include this commit. Organizations should prioritize patching for systems that process user-supplied or untrusted 3D model files. Test patches in non-production environments to ensure compatibility with dependent applications before broad deployment.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unexpected application crashes or segmentation faults when processing CSM files, especially in asset import pipelines or during file preview operations. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can flag attempts to process CSM files from suspicious sources or by unusual processes. Code-level monitoring of Assimp's CSMLoader.cpp function calls, combined with file integrity checks on CSM assets, can help identify attack attempts. Consider blocking or quarantining CSM files from untrusted origins at network or file-system policy levels.

Why prioritize this

Although CVSS 5.3 (Medium) reflects the local-only attack requirement, prioritize this vulnerability for organizations that regularly handle 3D assets from external or user sources. The availability of public exploits and the broad use of Assimp in development and creative tools warrant swift patching. Assess your inventory of Assimp-dependent applications and user workflows that touch untrusted model files; teams in those areas should patch first.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3 (Medium) reflects a local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privilege requirement (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and low impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:L/I:L/A:L). The score does not account for the availability of public exploits or the ease with which a user can be tricked into processing a malicious file; organizations with high asset-handling volume or external user submissions should treat this as higher priority within their risk framework.

Frequently asked questions