CVE-2021-40167
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows memory corruption through specially crafted DWF or PCT files when opened in Autodesk Design Review. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting this read access violation. Users of Autodesk Design Review are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk Design Review
📦 What is this software?
Design Review by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Application crash or denial of service, with potential for limited code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities.
If Mitigated
Application crash without code execution if memory protections are enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user to open malicious file; memory corruption may require additional vulnerabilities for reliable code execution
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2022 version or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2022-0004
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest Autodesk Design Review from official Autodesk website. 2. Uninstall previous version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block malicious file extensions
windowsPrevent opening of DWF and PCT files via email filters or endpoint protection
Use application control
windowsRestrict execution of DesignReview.exe or block untrusted file sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Design Review as default program for DWF/PCT files
- Implement user training to avoid opening untrusted design files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Design Review version in Help > About; if version is pre-2022, it's vulnerableCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via GUIVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 2022 or later in Help > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of DesignReview.exe
- Access violations in Windows Event Logs
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of DWF/PCT files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND ProcessName="DesignReview.exe"