CVE-2025-1276 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 affecting Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2023, 2024, and 2025. The vulnerability arises when AutoCAD parses a maliciously crafted DWG file, which is the native file format for AutoCAD drawings. This malformed input causes the application to write data outside the bounds of allocated memory buffers, potentially leading to memory corruption. The consequences of this memory corruption include application crashes (denial of service), data corruption, or more critically, arbitrary code execution within the context of the AutoCAD process. This means an attacker could execute malicious code with the same privileges as the user running AutoCAD. The vulnerability requires the victim to open a specially crafted DWG file, implying user interaction is necessary. No prior authentication or elevated privileges are required, but the attacker must have a way to deliver the malicious file to the target. The CVSS v3.1 base 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 have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability is significant due to AutoCAD’s widespread use in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing sectors. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for suspicious activity related to DWG files.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-1276 can be substantial. AutoCAD is extensively used across Europe in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and infrastructure development. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to theft of intellectual property, sabotage of design files, or disruption of critical engineering workflows. Data corruption or application crashes could cause loss of productivity and delays in project timelines. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive design information, which is particularly critical in competitive manufacturing sectors. The vulnerability could also serve as a foothold for further network compromise if attackers leverage code execution to move laterally within corporate environments. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations face risks ranging from operational disruption to reputational damage and financial losses.

1. Apply official patches from Autodesk immediately once they become available to address CVE-2025-1276. 2. Until patches are released, restrict the opening of DWG files from untrusted or unknown sources through policy enforcement and user training. 3. Implement application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized or suspicious files and scripts. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior related to AutoCAD processes, such as unexpected crashes or memory anomalies. 5. Employ network segmentation to isolate engineering workstations and limit exposure to potentially malicious files. 6. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited DWG files and enforce strict email attachment policies. 7. Regularly back up critical design files and verify backup integrity to enable recovery from data corruption or ransomware attacks. 8. Monitor vendor advisories and threat intelligence feeds for updates on exploit availability or new mitigation techniques.