CVE-2024-8595 is a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability identified in Autodesk AutoCAD, specifically within the libodxdll.dll component responsible for parsing MODEL files. The vulnerability arises when a maliciously crafted MODEL file is processed, leading to improper memory management where a previously freed memory region is accessed again. This can result in memory corruption, which an attacker can exploit to cause a denial of service (application crash), leak sensitive information from memory, or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the AutoCAD process. The affected AutoCAD versions include 2022 through 2025, indicating that multiple recent releases are vulnerable. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, a common and critical memory safety issue. Exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction beyond opening or processing the malicious MODEL file, which could be delivered via email attachments, shared network drives, or compromised project files. Although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the potential for remote code execution makes this a significant risk. The lack of an available patch at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation. Given AutoCAD’s widespread use in engineering, architecture, and construction industries, exploitation could lead to operational disruption, intellectual property theft, or further network compromise if leveraged as a foothold.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-8595 could be substantial, especially in sectors heavily reliant on AutoCAD for design and engineering workflows, such as manufacturing, civil engineering, architecture, and infrastructure development. Successful exploitation could disrupt critical design processes, cause data loss or corruption, and potentially allow attackers to move laterally within corporate networks by executing code under the context of AutoCAD. Intellectual property theft is a significant concern given the sensitive nature of design files. Additionally, operational downtime could delay projects and incur financial losses. Since AutoCAD is often integrated into broader IT environments, a compromised system could serve as a pivot point for further attacks, including ransomware or espionage campaigns targeting European industrial and technological assets. The medium severity rating underestimates the potential impact if exploitation techniques mature, especially given the absence of authentication or user interaction requirements beyond opening a file.

1. Immediate implementation of strict file handling policies: restrict AutoCAD from opening MODEL files from untrusted or unknown sources, including email attachments and external storage devices. 2. Employ network segmentation to isolate systems running AutoCAD from critical infrastructure and sensitive data repositories to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 3. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to restrict AutoCAD’s ability to execute arbitrary code or access unauthorized system resources. 4. Monitor and analyze AutoCAD process behavior and memory usage for anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts, leveraging endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. 5. Maintain up-to-date backups of design files and system images to enable rapid recovery in case of disruption. 6. Engage with Autodesk and subscribe to their security advisories to apply patches promptly once available. 7. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected MODEL files and implement strict access controls on shared project files. 8. Consider deploying intrusion prevention systems (IPS) with signatures or heuristics targeting malformed MODEL files or suspicious libodxdll.dll activity once such indicators become available.