CVE-2024-9826 is a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability identified in Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2022 through 2025. The vulnerability arises when a maliciously crafted 3DM file is parsed by the atf_api.dll component within AutoCAD. Specifically, the flaw involves improper handling of memory where a previously freed object is accessed again, leading to undefined behavior. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can trigger a crash of the AutoCAD process, potentially leading to denial of service. More critically, the attacker may leverage this memory corruption to read or write sensitive data or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user running AutoCAD. The vulnerability does not require user authentication but does require the victim to open or parse the malicious 3DM file, implying user interaction is necessary. There are currently no known exploits in the wild, and no patches have been released at the time of this report. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, a common and dangerous memory corruption issue. Given the nature of AutoCAD as a widely used design and engineering software, exploitation could impact intellectual property confidentiality and operational integrity of engineering workflows.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-9826 can be significant, particularly for industries relying heavily on AutoCAD for design, engineering, and architectural projects. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive design data, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical design processes. This could affect sectors such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure development. The ability to execute arbitrary code also raises the risk of further network compromise or lateral movement within corporate environments. Given that AutoCAD is often used in collaborative environments, a compromised system could serve as an entry point for broader attacks. The medium severity rating reflects the requirement for user interaction and the absence of known active exploits, but the potential for code execution and data leakage means organizations should treat this vulnerability seriously.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Restrict the opening of 3DM files from untrusted or unknown sources by enforcing strict file handling policies and user training to recognize suspicious files. 2) Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the privileges of AutoCAD processes, reducing the impact of potential code execution. 3) Monitor and control network shares and email attachments to prevent delivery of malicious 3DM files. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior related to AutoCAD processes. 5) Maintain strict access controls and least privilege principles for users running AutoCAD. 6) Regularly back up critical design files and maintain incident response plans tailored to software exploitation scenarios. 7) Stay alert for official patches or updates from Autodesk and apply them promptly once available. 8) Consider deploying file integrity monitoring on AutoCAD installation directories to detect unauthorized changes to DLLs like atf_api.dll.