CVE-2023-50193 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-21787.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The CVE-2023-50193 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Trimble SketchUp Viewer that enables remote code execution through malicious SKP file parsing. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of SketchUp files, which are commonly used for 3D modeling and architectural visualization. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during the parsing process where the application fails to verify object existence before attempting operations on memory references. This fundamental oversight creates a dangerous condition where freed memory locations can be accessed and manipulated by malicious actors. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and file format processing, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard file operations rather than complex network attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic use-after-free pattern where memory allocated to an object is released but the application continues to reference that memory location. When parsing SKP files, the viewer's parser does not properly validate whether objects remain valid before performing operations on them. This allows attackers to craft malicious SKP files that trigger the release of memory objects while simultaneously manipulating the file structure to cause the application to access freed memory. The resulting memory corruption can be exploited to overwrite critical function pointers or execute arbitrary code within the viewer's process context. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate user execution and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain full control of affected systems without requiring elevated privileges, as the exploitation occurs within the context of the SketchUp Viewer application. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening compromised files means this vulnerability can be delivered via phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or social engineering tactics. Organizations using Trimble SketchUp Viewer across multiple platforms face significant risk, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. The vulnerability affects versions of SketchUp Viewer that handle SKP file parsing, making it a widespread concern for architectural firms, design studios, and educational institutions that rely on this software for their daily operations. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within networks if attackers establish persistent access through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50193 should focus on immediate patch management and operational controls. Trimble has released security updates addressing this vulnerability, and organizations must prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems. Until patches are deployed, administrators should implement strict file access controls, disable automatic opening of SKP files from untrusted sources, and monitor for suspicious file downloads or web visits. Network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent access to known malicious SKP files. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unknown or untrusted files, particularly those encountered through email attachments or web downloads. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and processes attempting to execute code within the SketchUp Viewer context. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for file processing and maintaining regular backups to ensure rapid recovery from potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in file parsing applications and the necessity of comprehensive input validation in security-critical software components.