CVE Alert: CVE-2025-8354 – Autodesk – Revit

Risk verdict

High risk: a malicious RFA file can trigger a Type Confusion in Revit, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution within the user’s process after user interaction.

Why this matters

AEC workflows rely on open file formats and complex CAD tasks; a successful exploit could compromise a workstation, corrupt project data, or enable further access within the user’s session. In firms with shared design repositories, this can cascade to project integrity issues and delays.

Most likely attack path

Attacker prepares a crafted RFA payload and distributes it via typical file channels or project exchanges; the user opens/imports the file in Revit, triggering local code execution. No privileges beyond the user’s account are required, but the attacker benefits from the victim’s access rights; exploitation is contingent on the user engaging with the payload.

Who is most exposed

Organisations with Autodesk Revit 2026 deployments (pre-2026.3) in Windows-based CAD environments, especially architecture/engineering/construction firms that routinely exchange RFA resources and rely on design workgroups.

Detection ideas

• Revit crash dumps or abnormal termination during RFA import.
• Unusual memory or process behaviour in Revit.exe following file opening.
• New or unexpected RFA files appearing in project directories or shared vaults.
• Security alerts tied to anomalous scriptable parsing or code execution attempts in CAD workflows.
• Correlation of user reports of unstable project files after receiving external RFA payloads.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Apply vendor patch to fix the RFA parser; move to the latest supported build (2026.3+ where fixed).
• Enforce least privilege (non-admin Revit runs), and restrict opening external or untrusted RFA files.
• Enable EDR/AV detections for suspicious memory/exception patterns in CAD processes; monitor and quarantine anomalous RFA activity.
• Implement application whitelisting and trusted file exchange controls; require staged validation for new RFA assets.
• Change-management: test patch in a sandbox, communicate incident response steps to design teams, and align backups for project data integrity.