CVE-2013-7388 in SketchUp
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in paintlib, as used in Trimble SketchUp (formerly Google SketchUp) before 2013 (13.0.3689), allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RLE4-compressed bitmap (BMP). NOTE: this issue was SPLIT from CVE-2013-3664 due to different affected products and codebases (ADT1).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7388 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the paintlib component of Trimble SketchUp, formerly known as Google SketchUp. This flaw exists in versions prior to 2013 (specifically before build 13.0.3689) and demonstrates how improperly handled image decompression routines can lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of RLE4-compressed bitmap files, which are commonly used in the computer graphics domain for efficient image storage and transmission. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly validate the size of data during the decompression process of these specific bitmap formats, creating a condition where an attacker can craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a classic heap overflow scenario where the paintlib library processes RLE4-compressed bitmap data without adequate bounds checking. When the application encounters a specially crafted BMP file containing RLE4 compression, the decompression routine fails to properly verify that the decompressed data will fit within the allocated memory buffer. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program state or injecting malicious code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper input validation in image processing libraries can create dangerous execution paths. The flaw specifically operates within the memory management subsystem of the application's graphics rendering pipeline, where the RLE4 decompression algorithm processes compressed image data.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users who may unknowingly open maliciously crafted bitmap files, particularly in environments where automatic file opening or preview features are enabled. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by embedding malicious data within RLE4-compressed BMP files that appear legitimate to users. The remote execution aspect means that the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms where users might encounter the malicious files. The impact extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and script injection, and T1203 which addresses exploitation for execution through remote code execution vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7388 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Trimble to address the heap overflow in the paintlib component. Users should ensure their SketchUp installations are updated to version 2013 or later, specifically build 13.0.3689 and higher, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation policies that prevent automatic opening of unknown or untrusted bitmap files, particularly those with RLE4 compression. Network administrators should consider implementing security controls that filter or scan incoming bitmap files, as well as maintaining updated antivirus signatures that can detect malicious RLE4-compressed content. Organizations should also consider restricting user privileges when using graphics applications and implementing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in graphics libraries and highlights how seemingly benign image processing operations can become attack vectors when inadequate bounds checking is implemented, making this case study particularly relevant for understanding memory safety in multimedia applications and the necessity of robust defensive programming practices in software development.