AutoCAD Worm Medre.A Stealing Designs, Blueprints

Trailrunner7 writes, quoting Threat Post: "Security researchers have come across a worm that is meant specifically to steal blueprints, design documents and other files created with the AutoCAD software. The worm, known as ACAD/Medre.A, is spreading through infected AutoCAD templates and is sending tens of thousands of stolen documents to email addresses in China. However, experts say that the worm's infection rates are dropping at this point and it doesn't seem to be part of a targeted attack campaign. ... [They] discovered that not only was the worm highly customized and well-constructed, it seemed to be targeting mostly machines in Peru for some reason. ... They found that ACAD/Medre.A was written in AutoLISP, a specialized version of the LISP scripting language that's used in AutoCAD."

Comments

Re:The Law of Unexpected consequences

[trout007]

AutoCAD isn't used by too many serious mechanical engineers anymore. We have moved to parametric CAD like Solid Works, Pro/E, CATIA, ect. Structural Engineers use programs like STAAD that have tools for compiling with structural steel standards. I do know some people that still use AutoCAD for schematic work.

auto cad needs a better then video card

[Joe_Dragon]

auto cad needs a better then video card what most vm have. Also can use a lot of cpu power.

Original research on ACAD/Medre.A at ESET's web si

[Aryeh Goretsky]

Hello,

Somewhat surprised to see that the original research on the worm by ESET has not been mentioned yet on Slashdot. For all those who are interested, here it is:

• ACAD/Medre.A - 10000's of AutoCAD files leaked in suspected industrial espionage - post in ESET's blog by Righard Zwienenberg with high-level overview of the worm
• ACAD/Medre.A Technical Analysis - post in ESET's by Robert Lipovsky which goes into more detail on replication and payload of the worm
• ACAD/Medre.A White Paper [PDF, 2.36MB] - white paper with additional analysis and graphics.
• ESET Threat Encyclopaedia: ACAD/Medre.A - ESET's virus encyclopaedia entry on the worm. Also contains link to a free stand-alone cleaner.

From speaking with some of the ESET folks involved in the above, it seems there may be additional details forthcoming.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Re:The Law of Unexpected consequences

[GigaplexNZ]

Well in manufacturing you may be correct but in construction AutoDesk is still a top dog.

AutoCad is far from top dog. Compared to tools like Revit, it is just a dog. I'll never go back.

Revit is made by Autodesk.