CVE-2024-8597 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted STP file when parsed in ASMDATAX230A.dll 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-2024-8597 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Autodesk AutoCAD's handling of STP (STEP) files through the ASMDATAX230A.dll component. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and memory management during the parsing of maliciously crafted STEP files, creating a pathway for remote code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given AutoCAD's widespread use in engineering and architectural design environments where sensitive proprietary data and intellectual property reside.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when AutoCAD processes a specially crafted STP file that contains malformed data structures within the ASMDATAX230A.dll library. This library is responsible for handling STEP file format data exchange, which is a standard for the exchange of product model data. When the parser encounters unexpected or malformed data sequences within the STEP file, it fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to memory corruption through buffer overflows or improper memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability manifests as an insufficient boundary check during the parsing routine, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical process memory segments.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8597 extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides malicious actors with multiple attack vectors for system compromise. Successful exploitation can result in denial of service through application crashes, data corruption, or more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the AutoCAD process. This presents a significant risk to organizations relying on AutoCAD for critical design work, as attackers could potentially access sensitive project data, disrupt workflow processes, or establish persistent access points within engineering environments. The vulnerability affects both local and remote attack scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where AutoCAD files might be shared through email attachments or collaborative platforms.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including restricting file access to trusted sources, deploying application whitelisting controls, and ensuring all AutoCAD installations are updated with the latest security patches from Autodesk. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through file parsing and privilege escalation through process manipulation. Security teams should monitor for unusual network traffic patterns and file access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also considering the deployment of network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if compromise occurs. Regular security awareness training for users handling AutoCAD files is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might deliver malicious STP files through phishing campaigns.