CVE-2024-9727 in SketchUp Viewer
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
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-24111.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The CVE-2024-9727 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Trimble SketchUp Viewer's SKP file parsing functionality that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability resides within the software's handling of SketchUp files, which are commonly used for 3D modeling and architectural visualization. The issue manifests when the application processes malformed SKP files without proper validation of object existence before executing operations on them. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates a dangerous condition where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic use-after-free pattern that maps to CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory in software applications. When a malicious SKP file is processed, the viewer's parser fails to validate whether objects referenced in the file still exist in memory, creating opportunities for attackers to craft specially crafted files that trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning victims must either open the malicious file directly or visit a webpage hosting the exploit, making it a remote code execution vector that leverages social engineering techniques. This requirement for user interaction aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities through user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to operate with the privileges of the SketchUp Viewer process, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack surface is significant given the widespread use of SketchUp Viewer across architectural, engineering, and construction industries where users frequently exchange 3D models. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads. The memory corruption aspect of the flaw means that successful exploitation could lead to system instability or complete system compromise, depending on the execution environment and privilege level of the affected process. Organizations using Trimble SketchUp Viewer are particularly vulnerable since the software is often installed on workstations and servers where users may encounter malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or collaborative platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9727 should include immediate patching of affected systems, as Trimble has released updates addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict file validation policies, particularly for files received from external sources or untrusted collaborators. Network-based mitigations such as sandboxing of file processing and network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to malicious SKP files and implement application whitelisting where possible to prevent unauthorized execution of the vulnerable viewer application. Additionally, user education about the risks of opening untrusted files and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in defending against this type of attack vector that relies on social engineering elements.