CVE-2022-27531
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a maliciously crafted TIF file to cause Autodesk 3ds Max to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. If exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities, it could lead to arbitrary code execution within the current process. Users of affected Autodesk 3ds Max versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk 3ds Max
📦 What is this software?
3ds Max by Autodesk
3ds Max by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise if combined with privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
Application crash (denial of service) or limited information disclosure from memory reads.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if malicious TIF files are prevented from reaching the application.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious file. Code execution likely requires chaining with other vulnerabilities.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update 3 for 3ds Max 2022, Update 7 for 3ds Max 2021
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2022-0010
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Autodesk Desktop App or Autodesk Account. 2. Check for available updates. 3. Install the relevant update for your version. 4. Restart 3ds Max.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block TIF file processing
windowsPrevent 3ds Max from opening TIF files by modifying file associations or using application controls.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to limit potential damage from code execution
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check 3ds Max version in Help > About Autodesk 3ds Max. If version is 2022 without Update 3 or 2021 without Update 7, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via GUI in Help > About Autodesk 3ds MaxVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version shows Update 3 (2022) or Update 7 (2021) in About dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when processing TIF files
- Unexpected memory access errors in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file downloads of TIF format to workstations
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 Source=3dsmax.exe AND FaultingModule=tif*.dll