CVE-2025-5048 is a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-120) found in Autodesk AutoCAD versions 2023 through 2026. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of DGN files when they are linked or imported into AutoCAD. Specifically, the software performs a buffer copy operation without adequately checking the size of the input data, leading to a classic buffer overflow condition. This memory corruption flaw can be exploited by an attacker who crafts a malicious DGN file designed to overflow the buffer and overwrite adjacent memory. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution within the context of the AutoCAD process, potentially enabling the attacker to execute malicious payloads, escalate privileges, or compromise the host system. The vulnerability requires local access to the system or a vector where a user imports or links a malicious DGN file, and user interaction is necessary to trigger the exploit. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required but user interaction needed. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that mitigation may rely on vendor updates or workarounds once available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to industries relying heavily on AutoCAD for design and engineering workflows, such as architecture, construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or disruption of critical design processes. This could result in intellectual property loss, operational downtime, and potential safety risks if corrupted designs are used in production. Given AutoCAD's widespread use in Europe, particularly in countries with large engineering and manufacturing sectors, the impact could be substantial. Additionally, the need for user interaction means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious DGN files, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as threat actors may develop exploits once the vulnerability details become widely known.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy: 1) Restrict and monitor the import or linking of DGN files from untrusted or external sources to reduce exposure to malicious files. 2) Educate users, especially those in design and engineering roles, about the risks of opening or importing files from unknown origins and encourage verification of file sources. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior in AutoCAD processes. 4) Maintain strict access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of any successful exploitation. 5) Monitor vendor communications closely for official patches or security advisories from Autodesk and apply updates promptly once available. 6) Consider sandboxing or isolating AutoCAD environments where feasible to contain potential compromises. 7) Implement network segmentation to protect sensitive design data and systems from lateral movement in case of compromise.