CVE-2022-42942 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability affecting multiple legacy versions of Autodesk Design Review, specifically versions 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018. The vulnerability arises when the application processes a specially crafted DWF or .PCT file, leading to a read access violation that causes memory corruption. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that the application attempts to read or write outside the bounds of allocated memory. While the immediate effect is memory corruption, the vulnerability can be chained with other security flaws to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity, 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 impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as exploitation could lead to full compromise of the affected application. No patches or fixes have been linked in the provided data, and there are no known exploits in the wild at this time. However, the vulnerability's presence in older versions of Autodesk Design Review, which are still in use in some environments, poses a significant risk, especially if attackers can deliver malicious files to users who open them with the vulnerable software. Autodesk Design Review is a widely used tool for viewing and annotating design files, particularly in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing sectors.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-42942 could be substantial, particularly in industries heavily reliant on CAD and design review software, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, sabotage of design files, or lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, sensitive intellectual property and proprietary designs could be exposed or altered. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as attackers could deliver malicious files via phishing emails, insider threats, or compromised file-sharing platforms. The absence of patches increases the risk for organizations still using legacy versions, which may be due to compatibility or operational constraints. Disruption of design review processes could also delay projects and cause financial losses. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against critical infrastructure or defense contractors in Europe, where design data is highly sensitive.

European organizations should undertake a thorough inventory of Autodesk Design Review installations to identify affected versions (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018). Where possible, upgrade to the latest supported version or alternative software that does not exhibit this vulnerability. If upgrading is not feasible, implement strict file handling policies to block or quarantine DWF and .PCT files from untrusted sources. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption exploits. User training should emphasize caution when opening design files from unknown or unverified origins. Network segmentation can limit the spread of an exploit if a system is compromised. Additionally, monitor for unusual process behavior or crashes related to DesignReview.exe. Since no official patches are referenced, organizations should engage with Autodesk support for potential workarounds or security advisories. Implement application whitelisting and restrict execution privileges for DesignReview.exe to reduce exploitation likelihood. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups of critical design data to enable recovery in case of compromise.