CVE-2021-27038 : Security Advisory and Response

A Type Confusion vulnerability in Autodesk Design Review 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, 2011 can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by processing a maliciously crafted PDF file.

Understanding CVE-2021-27038

This section delves into the details of the Type Confusion vulnerability affecting Autodesk Design Review.

What is CVE-2021-27038?

CVE-2021-27038 is a Type Confusion vulnerability in Autodesk Design Review versions 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, and 2011 that arises during the processing of a specially crafted PDF file. This flaw can be exploited by a malicious actor to run arbitrary code on the target system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-27038

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows an attacker to execute malicious code on a victim's machine, compromising data integrity and system confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-27038

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-27038 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability occurs due to a Type Confusion issue in Autodesk Design Review, enabling threat actors to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) through a PDF-based attack vector.

Affected Systems and Versions

Autodesk Design Review versions 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are all impacted by this vulnerability, making users of these versions susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-27038 involves crafting a malicious PDF file and enticing a user to open it using the vulnerable Autodesk Design Review software, leading to arbitrary code execution on the victim's machine.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-27038.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should refrain from opening untrusted PDF files or documents from unknown sources. It is crucial to update the Autodesk Design Review software to a patched version as soon as possible.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security policy, user awareness training, and continuous monitoring of software vulnerabilities can enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for software updates and patches released by Autodesk to address CVE-2021-27038 and other security flaws. Timely patching is critical in safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities.