CVE-2022-33885 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/03/2022
A maliciously crafted X_B, CATIA, and PDF file when parsed through Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and 2022 can be used to write beyond the allocated buffer. This vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and 2022 versions when processing specially crafted file formats including X_B CATIA files and PDF documents. The flaw occurs during the parsing of these specific file types where the software fails to properly validate input boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft malicious files that can cause the application to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the file parsing routines that handle these particular formats, creating a potential entry point for remote code execution attacks. This issue directly relates to CWE-121 which describes unsafe buffer access conditions where data is written beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability as it provides a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable AutoCAD versions. When a user opens or processes the maliciously crafted files, the buffer overflow can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow and inject malicious payloads. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where AutoCAD is widely used for engineering and design work, as it could be leveraged through social engineering tactics or compromised collaboration platforms where such files might be shared.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code. The attack surface is broad as AutoCAD is commonly used across various industries including architecture, engineering, and manufacturing where collaboration and file sharing are routine activities. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Security researchers have noted that similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in CAD software have been previously exploited in the wild, making this particular flaw a high-priority concern for organizations utilizing these applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Autodesk, implementing strict file validation policies for incoming documents, and deploying network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files and implementing application whitelisting controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for applications handling complex file formats that require extensive parsing logic. Organizations should also consider implementing automated file analysis systems that can detect and quarantine suspicious file characteristics before they reach end users.