CVE-2024-9826 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted 3DM file when parsed in atf_api.dll through Autodesk AutoCAD can force a Use-After-Free 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-2024-9826 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Autodesk AutoCAD's handling of 3DM files through the atf_api.dll component. This issue arises from improper memory management during the parsing of maliciously crafted 3DM files, creating a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after being deallocated. The vulnerability manifests when AutoCAD processes specially constructed 3DM files that trigger memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the same memory regions, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management practices within the atf_api.dll library. When processing 3DM files, the application fails to properly validate the structure and content of incoming data, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that causes the application to free memory resources while simultaneously maintaining references to those locations. This fundamental flaw in memory lifecycle management creates a window of opportunity for exploitation where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory to redirect execution flow or inject malicious code. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 as use-after-free, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that frequently leads to remote code execution in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9826 extends beyond simple application instability to encompass serious security implications that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the AutoCAD process, potentially allowing for complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be leveraged to cause application crashes that may be used for denial-of-service attacks, but more concerning is the potential for sensitive data disclosure through memory corruption techniques. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process provides attackers with a foothold for further lateral movement within networks where AutoCAD is deployed, particularly in engineering and architectural environments where such software is ubiquitous.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9826 should prioritize immediate software updates from Autodesk to address the underlying memory management issues in atf_api.dll. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of AutoCAD systems to untrusted file sources, while also considering the deployment of application whitelisting solutions that restrict the execution of unauthorized 3DM files. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing patterns or memory access anomalies that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure software development. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques and privilege separation to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, the impact remains contained within the compromised AutoCAD process rather than extending to the broader system infrastructure.