CVE-2022-41310 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Autodesk Design Review, specifically versions 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018. The vulnerability arises when the application processes specially crafted .dwf or .pct files, which can trigger a write access violation leading to memory corruption. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). While the immediate impact is memory corruption, the vulnerability can be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the DesignReview.exe process. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches are linked in the provided information, indicating potential ongoing risk for unpatched systems. Autodesk Design Review is a widely used tool for viewing and annotating design files, particularly in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing sectors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the user to open a maliciously crafted file, which could be delivered via email or other file-sharing methods. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or disruption of operations.

For European organizations, especially those in engineering, manufacturing, architecture, and construction industries that rely on Autodesk Design Review for design file collaboration and review, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, disrupt design workflows, or establish footholds for further network intrusion. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, compromised systems could result in loss or manipulation of critical design data, affecting product quality and business reputation. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) means that phishing or social engineering campaigns could be effective attack vectors. Additionally, the lack of patches increases the window of exposure. Organizations with distributed teams or third-party collaborators exchanging design files are particularly vulnerable to supply chain or insider threats leveraging this vulnerability.

1. Immediately audit and inventory all Autodesk Design Review installations across the organization to identify affected versions (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018). 2. Restrict or disable the use of Autodesk Design Review where possible, especially on endpoints exposed to untrusted file sources. 3. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine .dwf and .pct files from untrusted or external sources. 4. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected design files, emphasizing verification of file origin before opening. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior related to DesignReview.exe, such as unexpected memory access patterns or code injection attempts. 6. If possible, isolate systems running Autodesk Design Review from critical network segments to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 7. Monitor vendor communications for any forthcoming patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 8. Consider alternative, more secure design review tools if Autodesk Design Review usage cannot be sufficiently controlled or mitigated. 9. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of unknown or suspicious files.