CVE-2024-8591 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted 3DM file when parsed in AcTranslators.exe through Autodesk AutoCAD can force a Heap-Based Buffer Overflow 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-2024-8591 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Autodesk AutoCAD's AcTranslators.exe component when processing maliciously crafted 3DM files. This flaw falls under the CWE-122 category of "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" which specifically addresses vulnerabilities where data is written beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries. The vulnerability exists within the file parsing mechanism of AutoCAD's translation utilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through routine file operations that users might perform without suspecting malicious intent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when AcTranslators.exe attempts to parse 3DM files that contain specially constructed data structures designed to exceed the allocated buffer space. This heap overflow can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow or inject malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation vector is particularly concerning because it requires no elevated privileges beyond normal user access, as the overflow occurs within the context of the currently running AutoCAD process. The attack scenario involves a user opening a malicious 3DM file through AutoCAD, which triggers the buffer overflow condition in the AcTranslators.exe module.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that rely heavily on AutoCAD for design and engineering work. The potential for remote code execution makes this a severe threat that could allow attackers to gain persistent access to systems, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The crash potential also represents a denial-of-service risk that could disrupt critical design workflows and productivity. According to ATT&CK framework T1203, this vulnerability could be leveraged for process injection techniques, while T1059 indicates potential for command execution through the compromised AutoCAD process. The vulnerability affects Autodesk AutoCAD versions that utilize the AcTranslators.exe component for file format conversion and import operations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch management from Autodesk, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and consider sandboxing or virtualization techniques for handling untrusted 3DM files. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, security monitoring should focus on unusual AutoCAD process behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in file parsing components and demonstrates the critical need for regular security assessments of third-party software libraries that handle external data inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of AutoCAD components outside of trusted environments.