CVE-2008-4471 in DWF Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the CExpressViewerControl class in the DWF Viewer ActiveX control (AdView.dll 9.0.0.96), as used in Revit Architecture 2009 SP2 and Autodesk Design Review 2009, allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files via "..\" sequences in the argument to the SaveAS method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4471 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the DWF Viewer ActiveX control component of Autodesk's software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects the CExpressViewerControl class in the AdView.dll version 9.0.0.96 which is integrated into Revit Architecture 2009 SP2 and Autodesk Design Review 2009 applications. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the SaveAS method implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate file system operations through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the SaveAS method argument, where attackers can inject "..\" sequences to navigate outside the intended target directory. This directory traversal mechanism allows unauthorized file system access and manipulation, enabling attackers to overwrite arbitrary files on the victim's system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of ActiveX controls, which typically execute with elevated privileges when properly configured, potentially allowing for complete system compromise. The flaw falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through ActiveX components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. Attackers could leverage this flaw to replace critical system files, install backdoors, or corrupt application data, leading to denial of service conditions or complete system takeover. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the flaw without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive for widespread attacks. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Revit Architecture or Design Review face significant risk of unauthorized file system modifications, potentially leading to data loss, system instability, or further attack vectors through compromised applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4471 should focus on immediate patching of affected software versions, as Autodesk released updates to address this specific vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures and consider disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers where possible. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that no outdated ActiveX components remain in use, and organizations should maintain updated inventories of all installed software components that might be vulnerable to similar directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in component-based software design and highlights the risks associated with legacy ActiveX controls that may not receive ongoing security updates.