CVE-2024-7675 in Navisworks Freedom
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2024
A maliciously crafted DWF file, when parsed in w3dtk.dll through Autodesk Navisworks, can force a Use-After-Free. A malicious actor can leverage this vulnerability to cause a crash or execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7675 represents a critical security flaw within Autodesk Navisworks software, specifically within the w3dtk.dll component that handles DWF file parsing operations. This issue manifests as a use-after-free condition that occurs when the software processes maliciously crafted DWF (Design Web Format) files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices during the parsing of these specific file formats, creating a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after being deallocated, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of DWF file structures to trigger memory corruption during the parsing process within w3dtk.dll. When Autodesk Navisworks attempts to parse a malicious DWF file, the software's memory management routines fail to properly validate or handle the file's structure, resulting in a use-after-free condition. This memory corruption vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running process. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7675 extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides malicious actors with a potential path to execute code on target systems. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations using Autodesk Navisworks for architectural, engineering, and construction projects, as these applications are frequently used in enterprise environments where sensitive design data and intellectual property reside. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data breaches, system infiltration, and potential disruption of critical infrastructure projects.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches and updates to Autodesk Navisworks software, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and deploying application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted DWF files. Security monitoring should focus on detecting suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the target environment. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications that might be susceptible to similar memory corruption issues, particularly those handling complex file formats and third-party libraries.