CVE-2022-42936 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A memory corruption vulnerability has been identified in Autodesk Design Review, potentially allowing malicious actors to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2022-42936

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the DesignReview.exe application that can be exploited through a specially crafted .dwf or .pct file. The exploitation could lead to memory corruption, ultimately enabling unauthorized code execution.

What is CVE-2022-42936?

The CVE-2022-42936 vulnerability occurs due to write access violation within the application, giving attackers the ability to compromise system integrity and security by executing code in the context of the affected process.

The Impact of CVE-2022-42936

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could result in severe consequences, allowing threat actors to run arbitrary code on the targeted system. This could lead to further exploitation and potential system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-42936

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a memory corruption issue caused by improper handling of .dwf or .pct files, leading to unauthorized memory write accesses.

Affected Systems and Versions

Autodesk Design Review versions 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, and 2011 are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit this vulnerability by enticing a user to open a malicious .dwf or .pct file within the DesignReview.exe application, triggering memory corruption and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2022-42936 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should refrain from opening untrusted .dwf or .pct files with the Autodesk Design Review application. Implementing security updates and patches promptly is crucial to mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software, employing endpoint protection solutions, and educating users on safe computing practices are essential for enhancing overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Refer to Autodesk's security advisory (Advisory ADSK-SA-2022-0004) for specific patching instructions and guidance on addressing CVE-2022-42936.