CVE-2022-42944 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2022
A malicious crafted dwf or .pct file when consumed through DesignReview.exe application could lead to memory corruption vulnerability by read access violation. This vulnerability in conjunction with other vulnerabilities could lead to code execution in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
This vulnerability exists within the DesignReview.exe application which processes Autodesk DWF and PCT files, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue triggered by maliciously crafted file formats that cause read access violations during file parsing operations. When the application attempts to process these specially crafted files, it fails to properly validate input data, leading to improper memory handling that can result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer over-read condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory access patterns and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the currently running process. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and specifically relates to improper input validation during file processing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it provides a potential pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows threat actors to execute arbitrary commands within the context of the DesignReview.exe process, which typically runs with elevated privileges depending on system configuration. This creates a serious risk for enterprise environments where design review applications are frequently used to process external documents, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected systems. The attack vector specifically targets the file processing functionality of the application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly open files from untrusted sources or email attachments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on multiple defensive layers including immediate patching of affected software versions, implementation of strict file validation procedures, and network-based restrictions on file type processing. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of DesignReview.exe from untrusted locations, while also deploying network segmentation to limit access to systems running this software. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that input sanitization and bounds checking should be prioritized in any defensive measures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file processing activities and implementing automated threat detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for file processing operations to contain potential exploitation attempts and prevent lateral movement within compromised environments.