Overview
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-5036, is a critical security flaw that primarily affects users of Autodesk Revit, a popular software application used for building information modeling. This vulnerability, specifically a Use-After-Free exploit, can be triggered when a maliciously crafted RFA (Revit Family) file is imported or linked into Autodesk Revit. It has an alarming potential to cause substantial damage, including system crashes, unauthorized data access, or even arbitrary code execution under the current process.
The significance of this vulnerability lies in the fact that Autodesk Revit is widely used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals worldwide. Any exploit could have far-reaching impacts, including the potential for data leakage and system compromise.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-5036
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: File import/link
Privileges Required: User level
User Interaction: Required
Impact: System crash, unauthorized data access, arbitrary code execution
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Autodesk Revit | All versions prior to patch release
How the Exploit Works
The exploit works by leveraging a Use-After-Free vulnerability in Autodesk Revit. The attacker prepares a maliciously crafted RFA file and tricks a user into importing or linking it into Autodesk Revit. This action triggers the Use-After-Free vulnerability, causing the software to reference memory after it has been freed. This can result in a system crash, leakage of sensitive data, or even the execution of arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
Conceptual Example Code
Given the nature of the vulnerability, a conceptual example would involve a crafted RFA file. However, it’s important to note that the exact structure of this file would be specific to the vulnerability and known only to the threat actor. A simplified representation might look like this:
# Malicious RFA file
rfa_file = CraftedRFAFile()
# The crafted file contains malicious code
rfa_file.code = """
...
execute_arbitrary_code()
...
"""
# The file is saved and sent to the victim
rfa_file.save("malicious.rfa")A victim would then import or link this malicious RFA file into Autodesk Revit, triggering the Use-After-Free vulnerability.
Mitigation Guidance
Users are advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can be used as a temporary mitigation measure. It’s also essential to avoid importing or linking RFA files from untrusted sources.