CVE-2024-7991 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted DWG file, when parsed through Autodesk AutoCAD and certain AutoCAD-based products, can force an Out-of-Bounds Write. A malicious actor can leverage this vulnerability to cause a crash, read sensitive data, or execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7991 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Autodesk AutoCAD and its AutoCAD-based product ecosystem. This issue stems from inadequate input validation during the parsing of DWG (Drawing Database) files, which are the native file format used by Autodesk's CAD software. The vulnerability manifests when maliciously crafted DWG files are processed by the application, potentially leading to severe security implications for users who encounter such files in their workflow.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient bounds checking mechanisms within the DWG file parser implementation. When AutoCAD attempts to parse malformed DWG files, the application fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption. This flaw specifically enables an out-of-bounds write condition where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory space for legitimate data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through routine file processing activities, making it difficult for users to anticipate or prevent such attacks.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2024-7991 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass potential data breaches and remote code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can cause the targeted AutoCAD application to crash, thereby disrupting critical design workflows. More concerning is the potential for information disclosure, where adversaries might read sensitive data from memory locations adjacent to the corrupted buffers. The most severe consequence involves arbitrary code execution, which would allow attackers to run malicious payloads with the privileges of the AutoCAD process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions in software implementations. This classification emphasizes the fundamental nature of the flaw as a memory safety issue that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly broad given that AutoCAD is widely used across engineering, architecture, and construction industries, making numerous organizations potential targets for exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution technique, as it leverages application-specific vulnerabilities to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7991 should prioritize immediate patching of affected AutoCAD installations through Autodesk's official security updates. Organizations should implement strict file validation protocols, including the use of sandboxed environments for processing untrusted DWG files. Network-level controls such as email filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent the delivery of malicious DWG files to end users. Additionally, security awareness training for design professionals who regularly handle external CAD files is crucial to prevent social engineering attacks that might deliver malicious payloads. Regular security assessments of CAD environments should include vulnerability scanning specifically targeting AutoCAD and related applications to ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.