CVE-2008-4472 in Dwf Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
The UpdateEngine class in the LiveUpdate ActiveX control (LiveUpdate16.DLL 17.2.56), as used in Revit Architecture 2009 SP2 and Autodesk Design Review 2009, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via the second argument to the ApplyPatch method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4472 represents a critical security flaw within the LiveUpdate ActiveX control component of Autodesk's software ecosystem. This issue specifically affects Revit Architecture 2009 SP2 and Autodesk Design Review 2009 applications, where the UpdateEngine class in LiveUpdate16.DLL version 17.2.56 contains a dangerous buffer overflow or injection vulnerability. The flaw manifests through the ApplyPatch method which accepts a second argument that can be manipulated by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that bypasses normal execution boundaries and allows unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's parameter handling mechanism. When the ApplyPatch method processes its second argument, it fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before using it in system operations. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that gets interpreted as executable commands rather than benign data, effectively enabling remote code execution. The vulnerability exists because the software does not implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization routines that would normally prevent such injection attacks. According to CWE-77 and CWE-94 classifications, this represents a command injection vulnerability that allows arbitrary code execution through improperly handled user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malware, modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within networks where vulnerable applications are deployed. The ActiveX control environment provides attackers with elevated privileges since the control runs with the same permissions as the hosting application, potentially allowing full system access. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these Autodesk applications are commonly used for design and engineering workflows, as it can be exploited through web-based attacks or malicious documents that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control. The attack surface is broadened by the widespread deployment of these applications across various industries including architecture, engineering, and construction sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4472 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the vulnerable ActiveX control through browser security settings or application configuration, preventing automatic execution of the malicious code path. Autodesk released patches to address this vulnerability, and organizations should implement these updates promptly to eliminate the risk. Security administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable components. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' is directly applicable here, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute commands through the affected interface. Additional protective measures include deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and implementing strict security policies that prevent automatic execution of ActiveX controls in web browsers. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable ActiveX controls or legacy components that may present similar security risks.