CVE-2023-50189 in SketchUp Viewer
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
Trimble SketchUp Viewer SKP File Parsing Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Trimble SketchUp Viewer. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of SKP files. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-21783.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The CVE-2023-50189 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Trimble SketchUp Viewer's handling of SKP files, demonstrating a fundamental memory safety issue that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability resides in the file parsing component of the software, specifically within the SKP file format processor that handles the proprietary SketchUp file format used for 3D modeling and visualization. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate the program's memory state to execute arbitrary code. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited remotely without requiring local system access, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to compromise systems at scale. The vulnerability has been assigned the ZDI-CAN-21783 identifier, indicating it was tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, a recognized vulnerability research organization that catalogs and coordinates the disclosure of zero-day exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the SKP file parser, specifically failing to verify object existence before performing operations on referenced memory locations. This memory safety issue creates a classic use-after-free condition where the application continues to reference memory that has been deallocated, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite freed memory with malicious data. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited effectively, meaning a target must either visit a malicious webpage hosting a crafted SKP file or open a malicious file directly, which aligns with common attack vectors in web-based exploitation. The flaw operates at the application layer, targeting the SketchUp Viewer's file parsing engine and exploiting the lack of proper bounds checking and object validation during SKP file processing. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and represents a sophisticated attack surface that leverages the trust users place in legitimate file formats.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-50189 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data theft capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain full control of the affected system, potentially leading to persistent backdoor access, credential theft, or lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on SketchUp Viewer for design collaboration, making it particularly concerning for architecture, engineering, and construction firms that may inadvertently expose their systems to attack through legitimate file sharing practices. The remote exploitation nature means that attackers can target users without physical access to the systems, potentially compromising large numbers of endpoints through targeted phishing campaigns or compromised websites. Organizations with limited security awareness training may find their employees vulnerable to social engineering attacks that deliver malicious SKP files through email attachments or web downloads, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where user behavior cannot be fully controlled.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50189 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying patches from Trimble as soon as they become available, since the vendor has acknowledged the vulnerability and provided security updates. Organizations should also implement strict file validation policies that prevent automatic execution of files from untrusted sources, particularly those with the SKP file extension. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious SKP files before they reach end users. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running SketchUp Viewer and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening files from unknown sources and the importance of verifying file integrity before opening. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in software development, reinforcing industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's exploitation techniques, particularly those related to remote code execution through file parsing vulnerabilities.