CVE-2021-40160 : What You Need to Know

PDFTron prior to version 9.0.7 may be forced to read beyond allocated boundaries when parsing a maliciously crafted PDF file, leading to arbitrary code execution, posing a serious security threat..

Understanding CVE-2021-40160

This CVE involves an out-of-bound read vulnerability affecting various Autodesk products.

What is CVE-2021-40160?

PDFTron versions prior to 9.0.7 are susceptible to a security issue whereby parsing a specially crafted PDF file can trigger code execution, making it vulnerable to exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40160

This vulnerability allows threat actors to execute arbitrary code by manipulating PDF files, potentially compromising the security and integrity of systems that have PDFTron installed.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40160

PDFTron prior to 9.0.7 is affected by an out-of-bound read vulnerability, with the following details:

Vulnerability Description

PDFTron pre-9.0.7 may read beyond designated memory regions when analyzing crafted PDFs, facilitating code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Revit, Navisworks, Autodesk Advance Steel, AutoCAD, and more.
Versions: Prior to 9.0.7.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit this flaw by crafting a PDF file to trigger the malicious code execution upon parsing.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-40160, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PDFTron to version 9.0.7 or later.
Avoid opening PDFs from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate risks of known vulnerabilities.
Utilize security tools to scan and detect malicious PDF files.
Educate users on safe handling of PDFs to prevent potential exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply recommended patches promptly to stay protected.