CVE-2025-60749 in SketchUp Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2025
DLL Hijacking vulnerability in Trimble SketchUp desktop 2025 via crafted libcef.dll used by sketchup_webhelper.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2025
The CVE-2025-60749 vulnerability represents a critical dll hijacking flaw affecting Trimble SketchUp desktop 2025 software, specifically targeting the sketchup_webhelper.exe process. This vulnerability exploits the software's dynamic link library loading mechanism, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating the dynamic link library search order. The flaw occurs when the application attempts to load the libcef.dll library, which is part of the Chromium Embedded Framework used for web content rendering within the SketchUp interface. When a malicious libcef.dll file is placed in a directory that the application searches before the legitimate library location, the system will load the attacker-controlled code instead of the legitimate component.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path category, specifically manifesting as a path traversal attack that leverages the Windows DLL search order mechanism. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets a helper process (sketchup_webhelper.exe) that runs with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially enabling privilege escalation if the user has elevated permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic dll hijacking pattern where the application's search path is not properly secured, allowing attackers to place malicious libraries in directories that are searched before the official library locations. This weakness is exacerbated by the fact that the sketchup_webhelper.exe process is often launched with elevated privileges during certain operations, making the attack surface more significant.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and persistence establishment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malware into the SketchUp environment, potentially compromising the entire design workflow of users who rely on the software for professional work. The vulnerability affects all users running Trimble SketchUp desktop 2025, regardless of their security awareness level, as the attack requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious file or visiting a compromised website. The exploitation process is straightforward and can be automated, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise creative professionals who may not be security-conscious.
Security mitigations for CVE-2025-60749 should focus on implementing proper DLL search path controls and application hardening measures. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the vulnerability. System administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which libraries can be loaded by sketchup_webhelper.exe and other related processes. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the SketchUp application with minimal required permissions and by ensuring that the application's search paths do not include writable directories. Additionally, the use of Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies can help prevent unauthorized DLL loading. Network-based mitigations include implementing strict firewall rules that prevent outbound connections from the sketchup_webhelper.exe process to suspicious external domains, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate dll hijacking attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms, as outlined in the software security guidelines provided by organizations such as the Center for Internet Security and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, which emphasize the need for secure dynamic link library loading and proper search path management in applications.