CVE-2025-1656 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) affecting Autodesk Revit versions 2023, 2024, and 2025. The vulnerability arises when a maliciously crafted PDF file is linked or imported into the Revit application. During the processing of this PDF, improper handling of data leads to a heap-based buffer overflow condition. This memory corruption flaw can be exploited by an attacker to cause the application to crash (denial of service), read sensitive memory contents (confidentiality breach), or execute arbitrary code within the context of the Revit process (integrity and availability compromise). The CVSS 3.1 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), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Revit in architecture, engineering, and construction industries. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting increases the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages a common file format (PDF) that may be linked or imported as part of normal workflows, making inadvertent exploitation plausible if malicious PDFs are introduced into project files or shared resources.

For European organizations, especially those in the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on Autodesk Revit, this vulnerability could lead to severe operational disruptions and data breaches. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive design documents, intellectual property theft, or sabotage of project files. This could delay critical infrastructure projects, increase costs, and damage reputations. Additionally, the ability to cause application crashes could be leveraged for denial-of-service attacks, disrupting workflows and collaboration. Given the collaborative nature of Revit projects, malicious PDFs could be introduced via shared networks or external partners, increasing exposure. The high confidentiality impact is particularly critical for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data under GDPR, as data leakage could result in regulatory penalties and loss of customer trust.

1. Immediate implementation of strict file handling policies: restrict or closely monitor the import and linking of PDF files within Revit projects, especially from untrusted sources. 2. Employ network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Revit workstations to potentially malicious files originating from external or less trusted networks. 3. Use endpoint protection solutions with heuristic and behavior-based detection capabilities to identify and block exploitation attempts targeting Revit processes. 4. Educate users and project collaborators on the risks of importing unverified PDFs and enforce verification procedures before integrating external files. 5. Regularly back up Revit project files and maintain version control to enable recovery in case of compromise or data corruption. 6. Monitor Autodesk and security advisories closely for the release of official patches and apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider deploying application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques for Revit to contain potential exploitation impacts. 8. Integrate PDF scanning tools that can detect malformed or malicious PDFs before they are introduced into the Revit environment.