CVE-2024-8592 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted CATPART file when parsed in AcTranslators.exe through Autodesk AutoCAD can force a Memory Corruption 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-2024-8592 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Autodesk AutoCAD's AcTranslators.exe component that processes CATPART files. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory handling mechanisms when parsing maliciously crafted CATPART file formats. The flaw exists in the translation layer that handles various CAD file formats, specifically exposing a path where untrusted input can trigger unpredictable memory behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the AutoCAD application's core translation functionality, making it accessible through normal CAD file processing workflows. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially designed CATPART files that, when opened or processed by AutoCAD, cause the AcTranslators.exe module to mishandle memory allocation and deallocation operations.
The technical execution of this vulnerability follows a classic memory corruption pattern where the malicious CATPART file contains crafted data structures that overwrite memory locations beyond intended boundaries. This memory corruption can manifest as buffer overflows, heap corruption, or use-after-free conditions within the AcTranslators.exe process. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than at system level, meaning exploitation occurs within the context of the AutoCAD user's privileges and process space. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no elevated privileges beyond normal user access to AutoCAD, making it exploitable in typical office environments where CAD applications are commonly used.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8592 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the AutoCAD process context, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the user has administrative privileges. The memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical process memory locations, inject malicious code, or manipulate program execution flow. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where AutoCAD is widely deployed, as it can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for client execution, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations using AutoCAD in manufacturing, engineering, or design environments face significant risk as these applications often contain sensitive intellectual property and design data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8592 should prioritize immediate patch management from Autodesk, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent untrusted CATPART files from being processed by AutoCAD installations, particularly in environments where such files might be received from external sources. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that AutoCAD processes run with minimal required privileges. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of unauthorized AutoCAD components and enforce secure coding practices during CAD file handling. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in CAD translation libraries and underscores the need for regular security assessments of third-party components within engineering applications.