CVE-2026-0660: Autodesk 3ds Max Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2026-0660 Overview

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Autodesk 3ds Max when parsing maliciously crafted GIF files. This vulnerability (CWE-121) occurs during the GIF file parsing process and can be exploited by a malicious actor to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. The vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim must open a specially crafted GIF file for the attack to succeed.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation of this stack-based buffer overflow allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Autodesk 3ds Max, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Affected Products

• Autodesk 3ds Max (affected versions not specified in advisory)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-04 - CVE-2026-0660 published to NVD
• 2026-02-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0660

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as a Stack-Based Buffer Overflow (CWE-121), which occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer on the stack than what is actually allocated for that buffer. In the context of Autodesk 3ds Max, the flaw manifests during the parsing of GIF image files where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overflow stack memory.

When Autodesk 3ds Max processes a specially crafted GIF file, the parser fails to properly validate the size of input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent stack memory, including the return address, enabling redirection of program execution flow to attacker-controlled code.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation within the GIF file parsing routines of Autodesk 3ds Max. The application does not adequately verify that data extracted from GIF file structures (such as image dimensions, color table entries, or extension blocks) fits within the allocated stack buffer before performing copy operations. This lack of boundary checking creates an exploitable condition when processing malformed GIF content.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access and user interaction. An attacker must craft a malicious GIF file containing oversized or malformed data structures designed to trigger the buffer overflow. The attack scenario typically involves:

1. The attacker creates a specially crafted GIF file with malicious payload embedded in manipulated GIF structures
2. The victim is enticed to open the malicious GIF file in Autodesk 3ds Max (through social engineering, email attachment, or file sharing)
3. When 3ds Max parses the GIF file, the overflow occurs, overwriting stack memory
4. The attacker gains code execution with the privileges of the current user

The vulnerability mechanism involves the GIF parser reading data fields without proper size validation. When oversized data is encountered, the parser copies this data into a stack-allocated buffer, exceeding its boundaries and corrupting adjacent memory regions. For detailed technical information, refer to the Autodesk Security Advisory ADSK-SA-2026-0002.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0660

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected crashes or abnormal termination of Autodesk 3ds Max when opening GIF files
• Presence of unusually structured or oversized GIF files in project directories
• Signs of code execution or suspicious processes spawned from 3dsmax.exe
• Anomalous memory access patterns or stack corruption indicators in crash dumps

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for abnormal GIF file structures with oversized data blocks or malformed headers
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify 3ds Max process crashes followed by suspicious child process creation
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on incoming GIF files to detect potential exploit payloads
• Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution from 3ds Max process context

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for Autodesk 3ds Max application events and crash reports
• Monitor network shares and email attachments for suspicious GIF files targeting design teams
• Implement behavioral analysis to detect unusual process activity stemming from 3ds Max
• Review Windows Event Logs for application crashes related to 3dsmax.exe with stack-related error codes

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0660

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest security patches from Autodesk as referenced in security advisory ADSK-SA-2026-0002
• Restrict opening GIF files from untrusted sources in Autodesk 3ds Max until patched
• Implement application control policies to limit 3ds Max execution privileges
• Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted sources

Patch Information

Autodesk has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Users should refer to the Autodesk Security Advisory ADSK-SA-2026-0002 for official patch information and update instructions. It is strongly recommended to update Autodesk 3ds Max to the latest version that includes the security fix. Additional product information is available at the Autodesk Access Overview page.

Workarounds

• Disable or restrict GIF file import functionality in 3ds Max until the patch is applied
• Use alternative image formats (PNG, JPEG, TIFF) that do not trigger the vulnerable code path
• Implement network-level filtering to scan and quarantine suspicious GIF files before they reach workstations
• Run Autodesk 3ds Max in a sandboxed or virtualized environment to limit potential impact of exploitation

# Block GIF file access as temporary mitigation (Windows)
# Create a Software Restriction Policy or use AppLocker
# to prevent 3ds Max from accessing GIF files from untrusted locations

# Example: Restrict GIF file access from Downloads folder
# Using Windows Firewall or endpoint protection policies
# Consult your organization's security team for implementation