CVE-2025-9457 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-122, affecting Autodesk Shared Components version 2026.0. The vulnerability is triggered when the software parses a maliciously crafted PRT file, a file format commonly used in CAD and manufacturing design workflows. The overflow occurs due to improper bounds checking during memory allocation or data copying operations, leading to memory corruption. This corruption can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected process, potentially allowing full control over the application and access to sensitive data handled by the software. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, as the victim must open or otherwise process the malicious PRT file. No privileges or authentication are required, making it easier for attackers to exploit if they can deliver the malicious file. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction. Currently, no public exploits or active exploitation campaigns are reported, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Autodesk products in critical industrial sectors. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for interim mitigations and monitoring.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-9457 can be severe, particularly in sectors relying heavily on Autodesk software such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering design. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, intellectual property compromise, and disruption of design workflows. This could result in financial losses, reputational damage, and potential safety risks if compromised designs are deployed. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing sensitive design data, integrity by allowing malicious modification of files or processes, and availability by potentially crashing or destabilizing critical design applications. Given the interconnected nature of modern industrial environments, a compromised workstation could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. European organizations with less mature endpoint security or lax file handling policies are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score indicates that exploitation could have significant operational consequences.

1. Restrict the handling of PRT files to trusted sources only, implementing strict file validation and sandboxing where possible. 2. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious behaviors related to Autodesk processes. 3. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected PRT files, emphasizing caution with email attachments and downloads. 4. Isolate critical design workstations from general-purpose networks to limit exposure. 5. Monitor system logs and Autodesk application behavior for anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Coordinate with Autodesk for timely patch deployment once available; prioritize patching in environments with high exposure. 7. Consider implementing network segmentation to contain potential breaches originating from compromised design systems. 8. Use file integrity monitoring on design files and related components to detect unauthorized changes. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical design data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 10. Review and harden endpoint security configurations to reduce the attack surface, including disabling unnecessary features in Autodesk Shared Components if feasible.