CVE-2026-0660
📋 TL;DR
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Autodesk 3ds Max allows arbitrary code execution when parsing malicious GIF files. This affects users who open untrusted GIF files in vulnerable versions of 3ds Max. Attackers can exploit this to gain control of the application process.
💻 Affected Systems
- Autodesk 3ds Max
📦 What is this software?
3ds Max by Autodesk
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise via arbitrary code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or application crash leading to denial of service for 3ds Max users.
If Mitigated
Application crash without code execution if exploit fails or protections like ASLR/DEP are effective.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious GIF file; no authentication bypass needed beyond file access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory ADSK-SA-2026-0002 for specific patched versions.
Vendor Advisory: https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2026-0002
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Autodesk Access or 3ds Max. 2. Check for updates via the software's update mechanism. 3. Apply the latest security patch from Autodesk. 4. Restart 3ds Max after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict GIF file handling
windowsBlock or limit GIF file processing in 3ds Max to prevent exploitation.
User awareness training
allEducate users to avoid opening GIF files from untrusted sources in 3ds Max.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate 3ds Max systems from untrusted networks and restrict user privileges.
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check 3ds Max version against the patched versions listed in ADSK-SA-2026-0002; if unpatched, assume vulnerable.Check Version:
In 3ds Max, go to Help > About Autodesk 3ds Max to view version details.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm 3ds Max version is updated to a patched version as specified in the vendor advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes in 3ds Max logs when processing GIF files
- Unusual process spawns from 3ds Max
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from 3ds Max process post-GIF file opening
SIEM Query:
EventID from Windows Event Logs related to 3ds Max crashes or suspicious child processes.