CVE-2025-1650 is a vulnerability identified in Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2022 through 2025, stemming from the use of an uninitialized variable (CWE-457) during the parsing of CATPRODUCT files. CATPRODUCT files are typically associated with product assembly data used in CAD workflows. The vulnerability arises when AutoCAD processes a maliciously crafted CATPRODUCT file, which triggers the use of memory that has not been properly initialized. This can lead to undefined behavior including application crashes, unauthorized reading of sensitive memory contents, or even arbitrary code execution within the context of the AutoCAD process. Exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction beyond opening or importing the malicious file. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive data in memory, integrity by allowing code execution that could alter data or system state, and availability by causing application crashes. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild, the vulnerability is significant due to the widespread use of AutoCAD in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing sectors. The lack of an available patch at the time of disclosure increases the risk for organizations relying on affected versions. The vulnerability is categorized as medium severity by the vendor, but the potential for arbitrary code execution elevates its criticality in certain contexts. The vulnerability was reserved and disclosed in early 2025, with enrichment from CISA indicating recognition by US cybersecurity authorities.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-1650 can be substantial, especially those in industries heavily reliant on AutoCAD for design and manufacturing such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and industrial engineering. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to intellectual property, design schematics, or sensitive project data, resulting in intellectual property theft or competitive disadvantage. The ability to execute arbitrary code could allow attackers to establish persistence, move laterally within networks, or deploy ransomware or espionage tools. Disruption caused by application crashes could delay critical project timelines and impact operational continuity. Given the integration of AutoCAD files in collaborative environments, a successful attack could propagate through supply chains or partner networks. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the medium severity rating should not lead to complacency, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly. Organizations with regulatory obligations around data protection and operational resilience, such as those under GDPR and NIS Directive, face additional compliance risks if this vulnerability is exploited.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting the receipt and opening of CATPRODUCT files from untrusted or unknown sources, implementing strict file validation and sandboxing where possible. 2. Employ network segmentation to isolate systems running AutoCAD from broader enterprise networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 3. Monitor AutoCAD process behavior and system logs for anomalous crashes or suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect unusual memory access patterns or code injection attempts related to AutoCAD processes. 5. Coordinate with Autodesk for timely patch releases and apply updates as soon as they become available. 6. Educate users on the risks of opening files from unverified sources and enforce policies for secure file handling. 7. Implement application whitelisting and privilege restrictions to limit the impact of arbitrary code execution. 8. Consider deploying virtualized or containerized environments for AutoCAD usage to contain potential exploits. 9. Review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving CAD software exploitation.