CVE-2024-23156 is a memory corruption vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2022 through 2025. The flaw exists in the way AutoCAD's opennurbs.dll and ASMkern229A.dll libraries parse 3DM files, a common file format used for 3D modeling. A specially crafted 3DM file can trigger a write access violation by causing the application to write data outside the bounds of allocated memory buffers. This memory corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior, including crashes and, more critically, the potential for an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the AutoCAD process. The vulnerability requires no privileges but does require user interaction, such as opening or importing a malicious 3DM file. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. While no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature makes it a significant risk, especially in environments where AutoCAD is widely used. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute code, potentially leading to data theft, disruption of design workflows, or lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because AutoCAD is often used in critical sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, where compromised design files could have cascading operational impacts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-23156 is substantial. AutoCAD is extensively used across Europe in industries like architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, manipulate design data, or disrupt critical infrastructure projects. The confidentiality of proprietary designs and client data could be compromised, while integrity violations might result in corrupted or maliciously altered blueprints, potentially causing safety risks or financial losses. Availability impacts include application crashes or denial of service, interrupting business operations. Given the high reliance on AutoCAD in sectors vital to the European economy and infrastructure, this vulnerability could have far-reaching consequences if exploited at scale. Furthermore, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious 3DM files, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the risk remains high due to the critical nature of the affected software and the potential for rapid exploit development.

1. Monitor Autodesk’s official channels closely and apply security patches immediately once they become available to address CVE-2024-23156. 2. Implement strict file handling policies that restrict or scrutinize 3DM files received from untrusted or external sources. 3. Educate users, especially designers and engineers, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious 3DM files and encourage verification of file origins. 4. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or unusual AutoCAD process activity. 5. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation by isolating AutoCAD processes. 6. Integrate network-level controls to scan and filter incoming files, including 3DM files, for malicious content before delivery to end users. 7. Maintain regular backups of critical design files and project data to enable recovery in case of compromise or data corruption. 8. Collaborate with IT and security teams to conduct threat hunting focused on signs of exploitation attempts targeting AutoCAD environments. 9. Consider disabling or limiting AutoCAD’s ability to load external 3DM files temporarily in high-risk environments until patches are applied. 10. Review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving AutoCAD exploitation and memory corruption attacks.