CVE-2024-8594 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted MODEL file when parsed in libodxdll.dll through Autodesk AutoCAD can force a Heap-Based 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-2024-8594 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the libodxdll.dll library component of Autodesk AutoCAD. This issue arises specifically during the parsing of maliciously crafted MODEL files, which demonstrates a classic software security weakness that can be exploited through improper input validation and memory management practices. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of file format parsing and memory safety mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's memory layout and potentially execute malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when AutoCAD processes a specially crafted MODEL file through the libodxdll.dll module, which is responsible for handling various data formats within the application. This heap-based overflow vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during the parsing process, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which directly enables arbitrary code execution when the overflow corrupts memory regions that control program flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no elevated privileges beyond normal user access, as the vulnerability operates within the context of the current process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, presenting significant risks to system security and data integrity. When successfully exploited, the heap overflow can lead to unpredictable program behavior including application termination, data corruption, or more critically, arbitrary code execution that could allow attackers to gain control over the victim's system. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where AutoCAD is widely used for design and engineering work. Attackers could leverage this flaw to install malware, steal sensitive design data, or establish persistent access points within networks where AutoCAD is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8594 should prioritize immediate patch management from Autodesk, as the vendor has likely released security updates to address the heap overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict file validation protocols and restrict the handling of untrusted MODEL files through automated scanning systems that can detect malicious patterns before they reach the vulnerable parsing components. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by preventing unauthorized access to AutoCAD installations. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual network activity or process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be used to establish command and control channels. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the AutoCAD process context. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as DEP and ASLR to make exploitation more difficult, though these protections alone cannot prevent the underlying heap overflow condition.