CVE-2024-13045 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt version 1204.90, related to the parsing of AR files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the length of user-supplied data before it is copied into a fixed-size stack buffer, leading to a classic buffer overflow condition (CWE-121). This flaw can be triggered remotely but requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted AR file or visiting a malicious webpage that causes the application to process such a file. Exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable process, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on the privileges of the application. The vulnerability was assigned a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (requiring user interaction), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, and no active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-24848. The affected product, Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt, is a CAD/design software used in various industries, making this a significant concern for organizations relying on it for critical design workflows.

The impact of CVE-2024-13045 is substantial for organizations using Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt, particularly in sectors relying on CAD and design software such as manufacturing, engineering, and architecture. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of design processes. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by enabling unauthorized access to sensitive design files, integrity by allowing modification or corruption of data, and availability by potentially crashing the application or system. Since exploitation requires user interaction, social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver malicious AR files. The lack of current public exploits reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and potential for remote code execution make this a critical issue to address promptly. Organizations with large deployments of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt or those operating in high-value design environments face increased risk of targeted attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-13045, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Monitor Ashlar-Vellum communications for official patches or updates and apply them immediately upon release. 2) Restrict the opening of AR files from untrusted or unknown sources by enforcing strict file handling policies and user training to recognize suspicious files. 3) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 4) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behaviors related to buffer overflow exploitation, such as unexpected process spawning or memory corruption indicators. 5) Implement network segmentation to isolate design workstations from general user networks, minimizing exposure to malicious files delivered via email or web. 6) Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited files and visiting untrusted websites to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 7) Regularly back up critical design data to enable recovery in case of compromise. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice and address the specific attack vector and environment of the vulnerability.