CVE-2022-27872 in Navisworks
Summary
by MITRE • 06/21/2022
A maliciously crafted PDF file may be used to dereference a pointer for read or write operation while parsing PDF files in Autodesk Navisworks 2022. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to handle a crafted PDF file, which causes an unhandled exception. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to cause a crash or read sensitive data or execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2022
This vulnerability in Autodesk Navisworks 2022 represents a critical memory safety issue that arises during PDF file parsing operations. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted PDF files that contain specially constructed pointers or references that trigger improper memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the PDF parsing engine, specifically when handling malformed pointer dereferences during document processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully constructed PDF files that manipulate the application's memory handling routines. When Navisworks attempts to parse these malicious documents, it encounters pointer references that lead to unauthorized memory access attempts, resulting in either read or write operations on memory locations that should remain protected. This uncontrolled memory access pattern creates a potential attack surface where an attacker can manipulate the application's execution flow. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple crashes, as it can potentially enable arbitrary code execution through carefully crafted memory corruption that allows for code injection or privilege escalation within the application's execution context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that rely heavily on Autodesk Navisworks for construction design and project management. The application's widespread use in architectural and engineering firms means that a successful exploitation could compromise critical design data, potentially leading to intellectual property theft or operational disruption. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous as attackers could deploy malware or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This risk is amplified by the fact that PDF files are commonly shared in collaborative environments, making the attack vector highly accessible through normal business operations.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches immediately upon release, as Autodesk has likely addressed this issue through updated parsing routines and enhanced input validation. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to limit access to Navisworks installations, particularly in environments where PDF file sharing occurs frequently. Additionally, implementing strict file validation policies that scan incoming PDF documents for suspicious patterns or malformed structures can provide an additional defensive layer. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls that restrict execution of unauthorized code, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1195 for masquerading and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Regular security awareness training for users who handle PDF documents can help reduce the risk of accidental exploitation through social engineering vectors that might deliver malicious payloads.