CVE-2021-27045 in Navisworks
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2021
A maliciously crafted PDF file in Autodesk Navisworks 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 can be forced to read beyond allocated boundaries when parsing the PDF file. This vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-27045 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting Autodesk Navisworks versions 2019 through 2022. This issue manifests when the software processes maliciously crafted PDF files, specifically exploiting improper bounds checking during PDF parsing operations. The flaw falls under the category of memory safety vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially designed PDF documents that cause the application to attempt reading memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a potential exploitation vector for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the PDF parsing engine of Autodesk Navisworks, where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption. When the application encounters a malformed PDF structure, it fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations, allowing for data to be read beyond intended limits. This memory access violation can be manipulated to overwrite critical program memory locations, potentially enabling attackers to redirect execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the parsing layer where user-supplied content is processed, making it susceptible to exploitation through social engineering attacks involving PDF attachments.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Autodesk Navisworks for architectural, engineering, and construction project management. The attack surface extends across various industries including construction firms, engineering consultancies, and architectural practices that rely on Navisworks for 3D modeling and collaboration. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Navisworks in professional environments where users frequently exchange PDF documents containing project data, making it an attractive target for targeted attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting PDF file handling capabilities within Navisworks, disabling automatic PDF parsing where possible, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF file transfers. The recommended approach involves updating to the latest Autodesk Navisworks versions that contain patches addressing this vulnerability, while also implementing strict file validation policies. Security teams should consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs, and establish monitoring protocols for unusual PDF processing activities. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening PDF files from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability can be exploited through phishing campaigns or compromised collaboration platforms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique with potential for privilege escalation, making it a critical concern for enterprise security postures.