CVE-2023-25009
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution through malicious USD files in Autodesk software. An attacker can craft a USD file that triggers an out-of-bounds write when opened, potentially leading to full system compromise. Users of affected Autodesk products who open untrusted USD files are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk Maya
- Autodesk 3ds Max
📦 What is this software?
3ds Max Usd by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control of the victim's computer, data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution in the context of the user opening the malicious file, potentially leading to data exfiltration or malware installation.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper patching and security controls are implemented, including user awareness training about opening untrusted files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious USD file. The vulnerability is in file parsing code, making reliable exploitation possible but requiring specific file crafting.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Maya 2023.3 and 3ds Max 2023.3 (or later versions as specified in vendor advisory)
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2023-0008
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest version from Autodesk's official website or update through Autodesk Desktop App. 2. Install the update following Autodesk's installation instructions. 3. Restart the application and verify the version is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USD file association
allRemove or change file associations so USD files don't automatically open in vulnerable Autodesk software
Windows: Use 'Default Apps' settings to change USD file associations
Linux/macOS: Update mime-type associations to use alternative software
User awareness training
allTrain users to avoid opening USD files from untrusted sources
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized software
- Use network segmentation to isolate systems running vulnerable software from critical assets
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of Autodesk Maya or 3ds Max against the vulnerable versions listed in the vendor advisoryCheck Version:
Windows: Check 'About' in application menu; Linux/macOS: Check application version in help/about or via command line if availableVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version is 2023.3 or later, and test opening known-safe USD files to ensure 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 suspicious IPs
SIEM Query:
source="*autodesk*" AND (event="crash" OR event="error") AND file_extension="usd"