CVE-2025-10885 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-250, indicating execution with unnecessary privileges, found in Autodesk Installer version 2.18. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of binaries loaded during the installation process. An attacker with local, low-privilege access can execute a specially crafted file that the installer processes without proper checks, leading to privilege escalation to NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM. This escalation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, compromising the entire system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no exploits are known in the wild and no patches have been published yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for full system compromise. Autodesk Installer is widely used in professional environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on Autodesk software for critical operations. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, which somewhat limits remote exploitation but still presents a serious threat in environments where local access can be obtained or where users might be tricked into executing malicious files. The lack of patch availability necessitates immediate mitigation steps to reduce exposure until a fix is released.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-10885 can be severe. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, effectively full control over affected machines. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive intellectual property, disruption of critical design and manufacturing workflows, and potential lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers can access or exfiltrate sensitive data; integrity is compromised as attackers can alter or sabotage files and configurations; availability can be affected through system instability or deliberate sabotage. Industries such as engineering, architecture, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, which heavily rely on Autodesk products, are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local access and user interaction means insider threats or social engineering attacks are plausible vectors. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for broader attacks on corporate networks or supply chains, amplifying the threat to European critical infrastructure and economic sectors.

1. Limit local user access strictly to trusted personnel and enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the risk of exploitation. 2. Implement application whitelisting and restrict execution of untrusted or unknown binaries, especially in directories used by Autodesk Installer. 3. Monitor and audit installer execution logs and system events for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted files and the importance of verifying file sources, particularly in environments where Autodesk software is used. 5. Isolate systems running Autodesk Installer from less secure network segments to reduce exposure. 6. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting privilege escalation behaviors. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to potential compromise scenarios involving privilege escalation. 8. Coordinate with Autodesk for timely patch deployment once available and test patches in controlled environments before widespread rollout. 9. Consider temporary compensating controls such as disabling or restricting the installer usage until a patch is released.