CVE-2024-9489 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability identified in Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2022 through 2025. The vulnerability arises from improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer (CWE-119) when parsing maliciously crafted DWG files in the ACAD.exe process. Specifically, an attacker can craft a DWG file that, when opened or processed by AutoCAD, triggers a buffer overflow or similar memory corruption condition. This can lead to a range of impacts including application crashes (denial of service), unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, or execution of arbitrary code within the context of the AutoCAD process. The vulnerability requires local access to open or process the malicious DWG file, and user interaction is necessary to trigger the exploit (e.g., opening the file). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required but user interaction needed. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations should prioritize monitoring and mitigation efforts. Given AutoCAD’s widespread use in engineering, architecture, and design sectors, exploitation could lead to significant operational disruption and data compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-9489 could be substantial, especially for industries heavily reliant on AutoCAD such as construction, manufacturing, civil engineering, and infrastructure development. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially allowing attackers to move laterally within networks, exfiltrate intellectual property, or disrupt critical design workflows. This could result in financial losses, reputational damage, and delays in project delivery. Additionally, the exposure of sensitive design data could have regulatory implications under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is involved. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver malicious DWG files, increasing the risk vector. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score necessitates urgent attention to prevent future exploitation.

1. Implement strict file handling policies: Restrict AutoCAD users from opening DWG files from untrusted or unknown sources. 2. Employ sandboxing or isolated environments for opening untrusted DWG files to contain potential exploitation. 3. Monitor and alert on unusual AutoCAD process behavior or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous code execution patterns related to AutoCAD. 5. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited DWG files and train them to recognize phishing attempts. 6. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical design files to enable recovery in case of disruption. 7. Closely monitor Autodesk’s security advisories and apply patches immediately once available. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised AutoCAD workstation. 9. Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution within the AutoCAD process context.