CVE-2025-2497 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Autodesk Revit versions 2024 and 2025. The vulnerability arises when Autodesk Revit parses a maliciously crafted DWG file, a common file format used for CAD drawings. Specifically, the flaw is categorized under CWE-122, indicating a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when the software writes more data to a buffer located on the heap than it can hold. This improper handling can corrupt adjacent memory, leading to unpredictable behavior. In this case, exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Revit process. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, meaning that successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the affected system. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Autodesk Revit in architecture, engineering, and construction industries. The absence of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring. Given that the vulnerability requires opening a malicious DWG file, social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver the payload, emphasizing the need for user awareness and file validation controls.

For European organizations, especially those in the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sectors, this vulnerability could have severe consequences. Autodesk Revit is widely used across Europe for Building Information Modeling (BIM), and a successful exploit could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or disruption of critical design workflows. This could result in intellectual property loss, project delays, and financial damage. Furthermore, compromised systems could be leveraged as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially exposing sensitive client data or critical infrastructure project details. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious DWG file) means that targeted spear-phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks could be effective vectors. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, organizations handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., infrastructure projects, government contracts) face increased risk of compliance violations and reputational damage.

1. Implement strict file validation and sandboxing for all DWG files before opening them in Autodesk Revit. Use isolated environments or virtual machines to open untrusted files. 2. Educate users on the risks of opening DWG files from untrusted sources and implement robust phishing awareness training focused on social engineering tactics targeting CAD professionals. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Restrict local access to systems running Autodesk Revit to trusted personnel only, minimizing the attack surface given the local attack vector. 5. Monitor Autodesk’s security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-2497 and prioritize timely deployment once available. 6. Consider network segmentation to isolate design workstations from critical infrastructure and sensitive data repositories to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 7. Use file integrity monitoring on directories where DWG files are stored or transferred to detect unauthorized or suspicious file modifications.