CVE-2024-9996 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
A maliciously crafted DWG file when parsed in acdb25.dll through Autodesk AutoCAD can force an Out-of-Bounds Write 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.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9996 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Autodesk AutoCAD's acdb25.dll component that specifically manifests when processing maliciously crafted DWG files. This vulnerability resides in the AutoCAD drawing database parsing functionality where the application fails to properly validate input data structures during DWG file interpretation. The flaw allows an attacker to construct a specially formatted DWG file that, when opened or processed by AutoCAD, triggers memory corruption through improper bounds checking in the acdb25.dll library. The vulnerability operates at the binary parsing level where the application's memory management mechanisms do not adequately verify array indices or buffer limits before writing data to memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write which is classified as a severe memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector specifically targets the document parsing subsystem where AutoCAD's drawing database engine processes complex geometric and attribute data structures stored within DWG files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a DWG file containing malformed data structures that will cause the acdb25.dll parser to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. When AutoCAD attempts to parse such a malicious file, the parsing routine fails to validate the size or structure of incoming data elements, leading to memory corruption that can manifest as a crash or more dangerously as code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application instability since the out-of-bounds write can overwrite critical memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other program state information. This memory corruption capability provides attackers with potential paths for privilege escalation or remote code execution depending on the execution context of AutoCAD. The flaw essentially represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where the application's defensive mechanisms fail to prevent unauthorized memory modifications, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program flow or inject malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9996 presents significant risks to organizations heavily dependent on AutoCAD for design and engineering workflows. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems where AutoCAD is installed, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or disruption of critical design processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where AutoCAD is used extensively for CAD design work and where attackers might exploit it through social engineering campaigns targeting engineering teams. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could establish persistent access to compromised systems, making this vulnerability a high-priority target for exploitation. Organizations using AutoCAD in their design workflows face risks of intellectual property theft, system infiltration, and operational disruption. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used commercial CAD application increases its attack surface significantly, as many organizations have AutoCAD installed across multiple systems and user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9996 should prioritize immediate patch application from Autodesk, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to AutoCAD installations and establish strict file validation policies for incoming DWG files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted parties. Security controls should include disabling automatic opening of DWG files from untrusted sources and implementing application whitelisting to restrict execution of AutoCAD only from authorized locations. The implementation of intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts through unusual network activity or file access patterns related to AutoCAD processes. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying sandboxing solutions that isolate AutoCAD execution environments to contain potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of CAD environments should include vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on AutoCAD installations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Organizations should also implement regular security awareness training for engineering teams to recognize potential social engineering attempts targeting CAD systems, as the vulnerability can be exploited through phishing campaigns delivering malicious DWG files. System monitoring should include detection of abnormal AutoCAD process behavior and memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.