CVE-2024-37000 is a memory corruption vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The vulnerability is triggered when AutoCAD parses a specially crafted X_B file via the pskernel.DLL component, leading to a write access violation that corrupts memory. This corruption can be leveraged, especially in combination with other vulnerabilities, to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the AutoCAD process. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, reflecting a high severity due to its impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the victim to open a malicious file (UI:R) but no privileges (PR:N) are needed. The vulnerability scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning it affects only the vulnerable component. While no known exploits are currently in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability and AutoCAD’s widespread use in critical industries make it a significant threat. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates proactive defensive measures. This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, sabotage of design files, or disruption of business operations.

For European organizations, especially those in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors that heavily rely on AutoCAD, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, manipulate design data, or disrupt critical workflows. This can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and operational downtime. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, organizations handling sensitive or regulated data face compliance risks under GDPR and other data protection laws. The local attack vector requiring user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver malicious files, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the potential for rapid weaponization exists. Disruption in design and manufacturing processes could also have downstream effects on supply chains and infrastructure projects across Europe.

1. Immediately implement strict controls on the sources of X_B files, including blocking or quarantining files from untrusted or unknown origins. 2. Educate users, especially CAD operators, about the risks of opening files from unverified sources and train them to recognize suspicious files. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor AutoCAD processes for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context and impact of potential exploits. 5. Regularly back up critical design files and maintain version control to enable recovery in case of data corruption or ransomware attacks. 6. Monitor Autodesk’s security advisories closely and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate CAD workstations from other critical systems to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 8. Implement file integrity monitoring on directories storing CAD files to detect unauthorized modifications.