CVE-2025-53010 is a vulnerability identified in the AcademySoftwareFoundation's MaterialX library, specifically in version 1.39.2. MaterialX is an open standard designed for the exchange of rich material and look-development content across various applications and rendering engines. The vulnerability arises during the parsing of shader nodes within MTLX files, where the MaterialXCore code accesses a pointer that may be null. This NULL pointer dereference leads to a crash of the target program when it processes a maliciously crafted MTLX file. The flaw is categorized under CWE-476, indicating a NULL Pointer Dereference issue. Exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, and the attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have the ability to supply or influence the MTLX files processed by the vulnerable software. The vulnerability affects versions from 1.39.2 up to but not including 1.39.3, where the issue has been fixed. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 2, reflecting a low severity primarily due to the limited attack vector and impact scope. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The primary impact is a denial of service (DoS) through application crashes, which could disrupt workflows or rendering processes that rely on MaterialX. Since MaterialX is used in content creation pipelines, particularly in visual effects, animation, and rendering applications, the vulnerability could affect software that integrates this library or processes MTLX files, potentially causing instability or service interruptions when handling malicious files.

For European organizations, especially those in the media, entertainment, and digital content creation sectors, this vulnerability could lead to operational disruptions. Companies using MaterialX in their rendering pipelines or content development tools may experience application crashes, resulting in downtime, loss of productivity, or delays in project delivery. While the vulnerability does not allow code execution or data compromise, the denial of service could be exploited to interrupt critical rendering tasks or automated workflows. This could be particularly impactful for studios and service providers handling large volumes of digital assets or working under tight deadlines. Additionally, organizations that share or receive MTLX files from external partners could be exposed if malicious files are introduced into their environment. The low severity score and local attack vector reduce the likelihood of widespread impact; however, targeted attacks or accidental crashes caused by malformed files remain a concern. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited immediate risk, but proactive patching is advisable to maintain operational stability.

European organizations should upgrade MaterialX to version 1.39.3 or later, where the NULL pointer dereference issue is resolved. Until the patch is applied, organizations should implement strict validation and sanitization of MTLX files before processing them, especially those received from external or untrusted sources. Employing file integrity checks and sandboxing rendering or content processing applications can limit the impact of crashes. Additionally, monitoring application logs for unexpected crashes related to MTLX file parsing can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Incorporating automated testing of MTLX files for malformed or malicious content in the content ingestion pipeline can further reduce risk. For organizations developing software that integrates MaterialX, updating dependencies promptly and conducting thorough code reviews around file parsing logic is critical. Finally, maintaining an inventory of software components and their versions will aid in rapid identification and remediation of vulnerable instances.