CVE-2025-1658 is a high-severity vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-Bounds Read) affecting Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2025. This vulnerability arises when the application parses a maliciously crafted DWFX file, a format used for 3D design data exchange. The flaw allows an attacker to trigger an out-of-bounds read condition, which can lead to multiple adverse effects: application crashes (denial of service), unauthorized reading of sensitive memory contents, or even arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process. The vulnerability requires local access (attack vector: local), low attack complexity, no privileges, but does require user interaction (opening the malicious DWFX file). The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable application process. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild yet, the potential for exploitation exists given the ability to execute arbitrary code. Autodesk Navisworks Freedom is widely used in architecture, engineering, and construction industries for viewing and sharing 3D models, making this vulnerability particularly relevant for organizations relying on these workflows. The absence of a patch link indicates that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations, especially those in the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive design data, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical workflows through application crashes or malware execution. Given the collaborative nature of these industries and the use of shared design files, a successful attack could propagate through supply chains or partner networks. The ability to execute arbitrary code elevates the threat to potentially full system compromise if the application runs with elevated privileges or if attackers leverage this as an initial foothold. This could impact confidentiality (exposure of sensitive design and project data), integrity (tampering with design files or application behavior), and availability (denial of service via crashes). The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver the malicious DWFX files, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, especially as threat actors may develop exploits rapidly once details are public.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting the use of Autodesk Navisworks Freedom 2025 to trusted users and environments only. 2. Implement strict file handling policies: block or quarantine DWFX files from untrusted sources and educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious design files. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior related to Navisworks processes, such as unexpected crashes or memory access patterns. 4. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 5. Coordinate with Autodesk for timely patch deployment once available; monitor official channels for updates. 6. Conduct regular security awareness training focusing on social engineering risks associated with opening files from external sources. 7. Review and enforce least privilege principles for users running Navisworks to minimize the impact of code execution. 8. Network segmentation can help contain potential compromise within design and engineering environments. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical design data to enable recovery in case of disruption.