CVE-2026-0660 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Autodesk 3ds Max 2026, classified under CWE-121. The flaw occurs when the software parses a maliciously crafted GIF file, leading to a buffer overflow on the stack. This overflow can corrupt the execution stack, enabling an attacker to overwrite the return address or other control data, thereby gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the 3ds Max process. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically opening or importing a malicious GIF file into the application. No prior authentication is needed, but the attacker must convince the user to load the crafted file. 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. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk, especially in environments where 3ds Max is used extensively for 3D modeling, animation, and design. The absence of a patch at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation efforts to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, particularly for companies in digital content creation, architecture, manufacturing, and media sectors that rely on Autodesk 3ds Max 2026. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to steal intellectual property, disrupt production pipelines, or deploy ransomware and other malware. The compromise of 3ds Max could also serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially exposing sensitive design data and client information. The high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts could result in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and operational downtime. Given the user interaction requirement, targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious GIF files, increasing the threat to organizations with less mature security awareness programs.

1. Immediately restrict or disable the import of GIF files in Autodesk 3ds Max 2026 until a vendor patch is released. 2. Monitor Autodesk’s security advisories closely and apply official patches as soon as they become available. 3. Implement application whitelisting and sandboxing for 3ds Max to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Enhance endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to identify anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process injections or memory corruption events. 5. Conduct user training focused on the risks of opening untrusted files, emphasizing caution with GIF files received via email or external sources. 6. Employ network segmentation to isolate workstations running 3ds Max from critical infrastructure to reduce lateral movement opportunities. 7. Regularly back up critical project files and ensure backups are stored offline or in immutable storage to mitigate ransomware risks.