CVE-2025-5043: Heap-Based Overflow Vulnerability in Autodesk Products Can Lead to Arbitrary Code Execution

Overview

A newly identified vulnerability, CVE-2025-5043, exposes multiple Autodesk products to potential system compromise and data leakage. This security flaw arises when certain Autodesk products link or import a maliciously crafted 3DM file, leading to a Heap-Based Overflow vulnerability. The impacted applications include a wide range of Autodesk products, widely used by architects, engineers, and graphic designers, among others. Therefore, the potential reach and impact of this vulnerability can be considerable, affecting numerous businesses and individuals who rely on these applications for their daily operations.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-5043
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Maliciously crafted 3DM file
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required (File link or import)
Impact: Potential system compromise and data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

Autodesk 3ds Max | Versions X to Y
AutoCAD | Versions A to B

How the Exploit Works

The exploit works by manipulating the way Autodesk products handle 3DM files. The attacker crafts a 3DM file with malicious data designed to overflow the heap memory space allocated for the file. When this manipulated file is linked or imported into the Autodesk product, it forces a heap buffer overflow, causing the system to crash or potentially allowing the attacker to read sensitive data or execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.

Conceptual Example Code

While the exact structure of the malicious 3DM file will vary depending on the specific Autodesk application and version targeted, a conceptual example of a payload that might trigger the vulnerability could look something like this:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
int main() {
char* buffer = (char*)malloc(1024); // Allocate buffer
FILE* file = fopen("malicious.3dm", "r"); // Open malicious file
// Overflow the buffer
fread(buffer, 2048, 1, file);
// Execute overflowed buffer
(*(void(*)()) buffer)();
return 0;
}

In the above example, the fread function reads more data into buffer than it has been allocated, causing a buffer overflow. This overflow data could contain arbitrary code that the attacker wants to execute.

Mitigation Guidance

Users affected by this vulnerability are urged to apply the vendor-provided patch to fix the flaw. As a temporary mitigation strategy, users can also leverage Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Regular monitoring and updating of systems is advised to prevent future vulnerabilities.