CVE-2024-9713 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 affecting Trimble SketchUp Pro version 24.0.484. The vulnerability is triggered during the parsing of SKP files, the native file format used by SketchUp Pro. The root cause is the software's failure to verify that an object still exists before performing operations on it, which leads to a use-after-free condition. This memory corruption flaw can be exploited remotely by an attacker who convinces a user to open a specially crafted malicious SKP file or visit a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerable code path. Upon exploitation, the attacker can execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user process, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no privilege requirements, though user interaction is necessary. No patches or official fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was identified and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-23885. Given the widespread use of SketchUp Pro in professional design and modeling environments, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if left unmitigated.

The impact of CVE-2024-9713 is substantial for organizations using Trimble SketchUp Pro 24.0.484. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running SketchUp Pro. This can lead to data theft, unauthorized system modification, installation of malware, or lateral movement within a network. Since SketchUp Pro is commonly used in architecture, engineering, construction, and related fields, sensitive design data and intellectual property could be compromised. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious page) means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be effective attack vectors. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially disrupting business operations and causing reputational damage. Organizations without timely mitigation may face increased risk of targeted attacks, especially those with high-value design assets or intellectual property.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9713, organizations should: 1) Monitor Trimble's official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 2) Implement strict file handling policies to restrict opening SKP files from untrusted or unknown sources. 3) Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking exploitation attempts related to use-after-free vulnerabilities. 4) Educate users on the risks of opening files from unverified sources and the dangers of phishing attacks that may deliver malicious SKP files. 5) Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 6) Network segmentation to isolate systems running SketchUp Pro from critical infrastructure to reduce lateral movement risk. 7) Monitor network and endpoint logs for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation.