Low

MaterialX Null Pointer Dereference in getShaderNodes due to Unchecked nodeGraph->getOutput return

  • Disclosed: 31.07.2025
  • Updated: 11.10.2026 13:18

Summary

When parsing shader nodes in a MTLX file, the MaterialXCore code accesses a potentially null pointer, which can lead to crashes with maliciously crafted files.

Details

In src/MaterialXCore/Material.cpp, in function getShaderNodes, the following code fetches the output nodes for a given nodegraph input node:

cpp
// SNIP...
        else if (input->hasNodeGraphString())
        {
            // Check upstream nodegraph connected to the input.
            // If no explicit output name given then scan all outputs on the nodegraph.
            ElementPtr parent = materialNode->getParent();
            NodeGraphPtr nodeGraph = parent->getChildOfType<NodeGraph>(input->getNodeGraphString());
            if (!nodeGraph)
            {
                continue;
            }
            vector<OutputPtr> outputs;
            if (input->hasOutputString())
            {
                outputs.push_back(nodeGraph->getOutput(input->getOutputString())); // <--- null ptr is returned
            }
            else
            {
                outputs = nodeGraph->getOutputs();
            }
            for (OutputPtr output : outputs)
            {
                NodePtr upstreamNode = output->getConnectedNode(); // <--- CRASHES HERE
                if (upstreamNode && !shaderNodeSet.count(upstreamNode))
                {
                    if (!target.empty() && !upstreamNode->getNodeDef(target))
                    {
                        continue;
                    }
                    shaderNodeVec.push_back(upstreamNode);
                    shaderNodeSet.insert(upstreamNode);
                }
            }
        }
    }
// SNIP...

The issues arise because the nodeGraph->getOutput(input->getOutputString()) call can return a null pointer, therefore when trying to call output->getConnectedNode(), this results in a crash .

PoC

Please download nullptr_getshadernodes.mltx from the following link:

https://github.com/ShielderSec/poc/tree/main/CVE-2025-53010

build/bin/MaterialXView --material nullptr_getshadernodes.mtlx

Impact

An attacker could intentionally crash a target program that uses OpenEXR by sending a malicious MTLX file.

Affected software

Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.

PlatformPackageVulnerable versionsFixed in
Python (PyPI) materialx >= 1.39.2, < 1.39.3 1.39.3

References

CVSS score -
CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-476
Platform
Python (PyPI)
Package
materialx
Disclosed
31.07.2025
Updated
11.10.2026 13:18

Sources and licenses

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-1606 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-3jhf-gxhr-q4cx - CC BY 4.0

Vulnerability history: materialx

All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.

Total entries
4
First → latest
07.2025 07.2025
Without a fix
0
Exploited in attacks
0

Severity breakdown

  • Medium 2
  • Low 2

Disclosures per year

  1. 2025: 4
  2. 2026: 0
  1. Medium CVE-2025-53009 >= 1.39.2, < 1.39.3 1.39.3
  2. MaterialX Null Pointer Dereference in getShaderNodes due to Unchecked nodeGraph->getOutput return this entry
    Low CVE-2025-53010 >= 1.39.2, < 1.39.3 1.39.3

Know which vulnerabilities affect your application

With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.

Connect your application
DockRay newsletter

Application security in your inbox

Important vulnerabilities, actionable guidance and practical advice for your applications. Choose your technologies and follow what matters to your project.

  • A daily digest of new vulnerabilities, critical ones included.
  • Notifications about important updates.
  • Practical advice on application security and monitoring.

Leave empty to receive updates for every technology.

Free to subscribe. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.