CVE-2024-8599 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted STP 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.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8599 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Autodesk AutoCAD's ACTranslators.exe component when processing specially crafted STP files. This issue falls under the category of buffer overflow vulnerabilities and specifically manifests as a memory corruption condition that can be triggered through improper input validation during file parsing operations. The vulnerability exists in the translation layer responsible for handling STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) file formats, which are commonly used for CAD data exchange in engineering and design environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when ACTranslators.exe encounters a malformed STP file structure that bypasses normal input sanitization mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted file content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where AutoCAD is extensively used for design and engineering workflows, as it can be leveraged to compromise the entire application execution context. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, making it applicable to multiple memory corruption categories within the CWE framework.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to encompass potential data compromise and system control breaches. When exploited successfully, the memory corruption can result in application crashes that disrupt critical design workflows, but more concerning is the potential for attackers to write sensitive data to memory locations or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the AutoCAD process. This creates opportunities for lateral movement within networks where AutoCAD is deployed, as the compromised process may have access to sensitive design data, proprietary engineering information, or network resources. The vulnerability affects organizations using Autodesk AutoCAD in professional design environments where file sharing and collaboration are common practices, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to intellectual property or disrupt engineering operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8599 should prioritize immediate patch management through Autodesk's official security updates and advisories. Organizations must implement strict file validation procedures for all incoming STEP files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted parties. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual process behavior or memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized binaries and establish robust backup procedures to ensure business continuity in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1566 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, making comprehensive endpoint protection and user awareness training essential components of the overall security posture.