CVE-2025-1658 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2025, a widely used software for reviewing and analyzing 3D models and construction project data. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-125, an Out-of-Bounds Read flaw, which occurs when the software improperly handles specially crafted DWFX files. When such a maliciously crafted DWFX file is parsed by Navisworks Freedom, it can trigger an out-of-bounds read condition. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to cause the application to crash (denial of service), read sensitive memory contents (potentially leaking confidential information), or execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) reveals that the attack requires local access (local attack vector), low attack complexity, no privileges, but does require user interaction (opening the malicious DWFX file). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as it allows reading sensitive data, modifying execution flow, and crashing the application. No patches or exploits in the wild have been reported at the time of publication (April 2025). Autodesk Navisworks Freedom is primarily used in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries for project review and collaboration, making this vulnerability particularly relevant to organizations handling sensitive design and infrastructure data.

For European organizations, especially those in the AEC sector, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of proprietary design data, intellectual property theft, and disruption of project workflows due to application crashes. The ability to execute arbitrary code elevates the threat to potentially full system compromise, which could be leveraged for lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the critical role of Navisworks Freedom in collaborative project environments, exploitation could impact multiple stakeholders, including contractors, architects, and engineering firms. This may result in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues, particularly under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is exposed. The requirement for local access and user interaction somewhat limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver malicious DWFX files. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for proactive defense before active attacks emerge.

Organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation approach: 1) Restrict usage of Navisworks Freedom 2025 to trusted users and environments, minimizing exposure to untrusted DWFX files. 2) Educate users on the risks of opening DWFX files from unknown or unverified sources to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering. 3) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 4) Monitor and control file sharing channels and email gateways to detect and block suspicious DWFX attachments. 5) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical project data to enable recovery in case of disruption. 6) Engage with Autodesk for timely updates or patches, and apply them promptly once available. 7) Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behavior related to Navisworks Freedom processes. 8) Conduct internal audits to identify all installations of Navisworks Freedom 2025 and assess exposure. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on user behavior, file handling policies, and proactive monitoring tailored to the specific threat vector.