CVE-2023-25007
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution through a malicious USD (Universal Scene Description) file. Attackers can craft a file that triggers an uninitialized pointer when opened in vulnerable Autodesk software, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. Users of affected Autodesk products who open untrusted USD files are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk Maya
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Autodesk MotionBuilder
📦 What is this software?
3ds Max Usd by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the user opening the malicious file, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Limited code execution in the context of the user account opening the file, allowing data exfiltration, credential theft, or installation of additional malware.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper controls prevent execution of malicious files or if software is patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious file. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2023.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2023-0008
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open the Autodesk Desktop App or access Autodesk Account. 2. Check for updates for affected products. 3. Install version 2023.3 or later. 4. Restart the application after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USD file association
allPrevent USD files from automatically opening in vulnerable Autodesk applications
Windows: Use 'Default Apps' settings to change USD file association
macOS: Use 'Get Info' on USD files to change default application
Linux: Update .desktop files or mime-type associations
Block USD files at perimeter
allPrevent download of potentially malicious USD files
Configure email/web filters to block .usd, .usda, .usdc, .usdz file extensions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
- Restrict user permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed version of Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, or MotionBuilder. If version is earlier than 2023.3, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Windows: Check 'About' in application menu; Linux/macOS: Run application with --version flag or check About dialogVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm installed version is 2023.3 or later and attempt to open a known-safe USD file to verify functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when opening USD files
- Unexpected process creation from Autodesk applications
- File access to suspicious USD files
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of USD files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from Autodesk applications to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
source="*autodesk*" AND (event_type="crash" OR process_name="maya.exe" OR process_name="3dsmax.exe") AND file_extension="usd"