CVE-2022-27528
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious DWFX or SKP files in Autodesk Navisworks 2022. The use-after-free flaw can be exploited through specially crafted files, potentially giving attackers full control of the affected system. Users of Autodesk Navisworks 2022 are primarily affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk Navisworks
📦 What is this software?
Navisworks by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control, data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or installation of persistent malware on the user's workstation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file validation, user awareness training, and restricted execution environments preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious files. No public exploit code has been reported as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to the latest version as specified in Autodesk Security Advisory ADSK-SA-2022-0005
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2022-0005
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Autodesk Navisworks 2022. 2. Navigate to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Download and install the latest security update. 4. Restart the application and any related services.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
File Type Restriction
windowsBlock or restrict opening of DWFX and SKP files from untrusted sources
Application Hardening
windowsRun Navisworks with reduced privileges using application control policies
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file validation policies to block suspicious DWFX and SKP files
- Use application sandboxing or virtualization to isolate Navisworks execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Navisworks version in Help > About. If version is 2022 and not updated per the security advisory, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
In Navisworks: Help > About or check Windows Programs and Features for installed versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version matches the patched version specified in Autodesk Security Advisory ADSK-SA-2022-0005📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation from Navisworks.exe
- Multiple failed file parsing attempts
- Memory access violations in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from Navisworks process
- File downloads of DWFX/SKP files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where ParentImage contains 'navisworks.exe' AND CommandLine contains suspicious file extensions (.dwfx, .skp)