CVE-2022-42936 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 maliciously crafted .dwf or .pct files. These files, when opened by DesignReview.exe, can trigger a write access violation leading to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write). While the immediate effect is memory corruption, the vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) shows that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require 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 in the wild have been reported yet, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, which suggests that organizations may still be at risk if they use affected versions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to full compromise of the application process, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive information, or disrupt availability.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those in industries relying heavily on Autodesk Design Review for reviewing and sharing design documents, such as architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or disruption of design workflows. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, sensitive intellectual property and design data could be exposed or manipulated. The requirement for local access and user interaction means that attackers would need to convince users to open malicious files, which could be delivered via phishing or insider threats. This risk is elevated in collaborative environments where design files are frequently exchanged. Additionally, the lack of patches increases the window of exposure. Organizations may face operational disruptions, reputational damage, and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is compromised.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting the use of Autodesk Design Review versions listed as vulnerable and encouraging users to avoid opening .dwf or .pct files from untrusted or unknown sources. 2. Implement strict email and file scanning policies to detect and block malicious .dwf and .pct files before they reach end users. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of DesignReview.exe, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Monitor user activity and system logs for unusual behavior related to DesignReview.exe, such as crashes or unexpected network connections. 5. If possible, isolate systems running Autodesk Design Review from critical networks to contain potential breaches. 6. Engage with Autodesk or trusted security advisories regularly to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability. 7. Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources, emphasizing the specific threat posed by .dwf and .pct files. 8. Consider alternative secure design review tools if patching or mitigating this vulnerability is not feasible in the short term.