CVE-2024-23148 Overview
CVE-2024-23148 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting multiple Autodesk applications that process CATPRODUCT files. A maliciously crafted CATPRODUCT file, when parsed through the CC5Dll.dll component, triggers a memory corruption condition via a write access violation. Autodesk disclosed this issue in security advisory ADSK-SA-2024-0009. Exploitation requires the victim to open a weaponized file within an affected Autodesk application. When chained with additional vulnerabilities, this flaw can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current process.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables code execution in the security context of the user running the affected Autodesk product, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the workstation.
Affected Products
- Autodesk AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D
- Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D
- Autodesk Civil 3D and Advance Steel
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-06-25 - CVE-2024-23148 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-23148
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in CC5Dll.dll, a component used by Autodesk applications to parse CATPRODUCT files. CATPRODUCT is a CATIA assembly file format that Autodesk products can import for interoperability with CAD workflows. When the parser processes a maliciously structured CATPRODUCT file, it performs a write operation beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. This out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] corrupts adjacent memory structures on the heap or stack, depending on where the target buffer resides.
The write access violation can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers, virtual table entries, or return addresses. Autodesk notes that this issue, when combined with other vulnerabilities, results in code execution in the context of the current process. The user interaction requirement means the attack requires the target to open the file.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient validation of length or structural fields within CATPRODUCT file structures during parsing by CC5Dll.dll. The parser trusts attacker-controlled size or offset values and writes data past the intended buffer boundary. This class of defect is characteristic of legacy CAD file format parsers that support complex, deeply nested binary structures without strict bounds checking.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious CATPRODUCT file and delivers it through phishing emails, shared project repositories, file-sharing platforms, or supply chain compromise of design assets. The victim opens the file in an affected Autodesk application, triggering the vulnerable parser path. Because the CVSS vector requires local access and user interaction, this vulnerability aligns with client-side attack chains rather than remote exploitation. Refer to the Autodesk Security Advisory ADSK-SA-2024-0009 for enumerated affected versions and technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23148
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes of acad.exe or related Autodesk processes with access violation exceptions referencing CC5Dll.dll.
- Windows Error Reporting (WER) or Application Event Log entries citing faulting module CC5Dll.dll during CATPRODUCT file operations.
- CATPRODUCT files received from untrusted external sources or delivered via email attachments and cloud shares.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for child processes spawned by Autodesk applications, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe, which indicate post-exploitation activity.
- Alert on anomalous memory allocation patterns and shellcode-like execution originating from Autodesk process address space.
- Correlate file-open events on .CATProduct files with subsequent process crashes or suspicious network egress.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track file writes and reads to .CATProduct and related CATIA extensions in engineering workstations.
- Aggregate Autodesk application crash dumps in a centralized log store and search for CC5Dll.dll faulting module signatures.
- Baseline normal Autodesk process behavior to surface deviations tied to file parsing exploitation.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23148
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed versions listed in Autodesk Security Advisory ADSK-SA-2024-0009 to every workstation running an affected Autodesk product.
- Restrict opening of CATPRODUCT files to those received from verified, trusted sources only.
- Enforce least-privilege user accounts on engineering endpoints to limit the impact of code execution in the current process context.
Patch Information
Autodesk released updated builds of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Civil 3D, and Advance Steel that address the out-of-bounds write in CC5Dll.dll. Consult the vendor advisory for the exact fixed version numbers per product line and apply them through the Autodesk Access installer or your enterprise deployment tooling.
Workarounds
- Block ingress of .CATProduct files at the email gateway and web proxy when interoperability with CATIA is not required.
- Isolate CAD workstations that must process third-party CATPRODUCT files in a segmented network zone with enhanced monitoring.
- Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard or equivalent controls on Autodesk process paths to raise the cost of memory corruption exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
