CVE-2024-8590 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted 3DM file when parsed in atf_api.dll through Autodesk AutoCAD can force a Use-After-Free vulnerability. A malicious actor can leverage this vulnerability to cause a crash, write 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-2024-8590 represents a critical security flaw within Autodesk AutoCAD's handling of 3DM files through the atf_api.dll component. This issue manifests as a use-after-free condition that occurs during the parsing of maliciously crafted 3DM file formats, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors targeting AutoCAD users. The vulnerability specifically affects the atf_api.dll library which serves as a critical interface for processing 3D model data within the Autodesk ecosystem, making it a prime target for exploitation due to the widespread use of AutoCAD in engineering and design environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a specially formatted 3DM file that, when processed by atf_api.dll, triggers memory management errors leading to a use-after-free condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory in software applications. When a 3DM file is loaded, the atf_api.dll component allocates memory for processing the file structure, but fails to properly validate or manage the memory lifecycle during subsequent operations. The malicious file structure causes the application to access memory that has already been freed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow or corrupt memory contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with multiple execution vectors for compromising systems. The vulnerability can be leveraged to cause application instability through crashes, but more critically offers opportunities for data manipulation and arbitrary code execution within the AutoCAD process context. This means that an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain complete control over the victim's AutoCAD session, allowing them to execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user. The implications are particularly severe in professional environments where AutoCAD is used for critical design work, as attackers could potentially compromise intellectual property or introduce malicious code into legitimate design workflows.
Organizations utilizing Autodesk AutoCAD should immediately implement mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary defense mechanism involves updating to the latest version of AutoCAD where the vulnerability has been patched, as Autodesk has likely addressed the memory management issues within the atf_api.dll component. Additionally, implementing strict file validation protocols and restricting the execution of untrusted 3DM files through network security controls can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that limit which applications can process 3DM files, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unusual memory access patterns or unexpected application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the attack technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter indicates that attackers may attempt to leverage this vulnerability as part of broader attack chains targeting enterprise environments where AutoCAD is commonly used for design and engineering work.