CVE-2022-33881
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious PRT files that cause Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. When combined with other vulnerabilities, this could lead to arbitrary code execution within the AutoCAD process. Users running affected versions of AutoCAD are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk AutoCAD
📦 What is this software?
Autocad by Autodesk
Autocad Lt by Autodesk
Autocad Mep by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment when combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
Application crashes (denial of service) or limited information disclosure from memory reads.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file handling controls and network segmentation are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious file. Exploitation for code execution requires chaining with additional vulnerabilities.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: July 2022 update or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2022-0014
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open AutoCAD 2023. 2. Navigate to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Install the July 2022 security update. 4. Restart AutoCAD when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable PRT file association
windowsRemove AutoCAD as the default handler for PRT files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Associate a file type or protocol with a program > Select .prt > Change program > Choose another application
User awareness training
allTrain users not to open PRT files from untrusted sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized AutoCAD execution
- Use network segmentation to isolate AutoCAD workstations from critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check AutoCAD version: Open AutoCAD, go to Help > About, verify version is earlier than July 2022 updateCheck Version:
In AutoCAD command line: (getvar "acadver")Verify Fix Applied:
Verify AutoCAD version shows July 2022 update or later in Help > About📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes with memory access violations
- Unexpected PRT file processing
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PRT files from untrusted sources
- Unusual outbound connections from AutoCAD process
SIEM Query:
source="autocad.log" AND (event="crash" OR event="memory_access_violation")