External risk intelligence

Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2007-0671

Microsoft Office applications are affected by a vulnerability that could permit attackers to execute arbitrary code. This poses a business risk of system compromise and data loss for organizations using the affected software.

1Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Access

2000200220032004xp

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2007-0671

The vulnerability affects client-side desktop software (Microsoft Office applications). It requires a user to open a specially crafted file locally, which is a client-side execution pattern. It is not an internet-facing service, gateway, or network-reachable application, and thus does not possess a public-internet-facing attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An unspecified vulnerability exists within Microsoft Office applications, including Excel. This flaw could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's system if they interact with a specially crafted file. The potential impact could include unauthorized code execution, leading to compromised systems and data.

  • Vulnerable Microsoft Office applications
  • Allows arbitrary code execution
  • Compromises systems and data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through specially crafted Microsoft Excel files. An attacker could deliver a malicious file to a user, and upon opening the file, the attacker could gain control of the user's system. This could lead to unauthorized access to data, system compromise, or the deployment of further malicious software.

  • Network exposure
  • User opens malicious file
  • Attacker executes arbitrary code

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Microsoft Office allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted files. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control of affected systems. The potential for broad impact across multiple Office applications means organizations should prioritize addressing this risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate
  • Required access or conditions: User must open a malicious file
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An unspecified vulnerability in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and others, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with user assistance. This could lead to the compromise of affected systems and data. The attack vector involves tricking users into opening specially crafted files, potentially leading to significant business risk if exploited.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary risk associated with CVE-2007-0671 in Microsoft Office applications like Excel?

The primary risk is an unspecified vulnerability that allows remote user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code. This means an attacker could potentially run their own code on your system if you open a specially crafted file, leading to a compromise of your system and data.

What weakness class does CVE-2007-0671 fall under, and how is it exploited?

This vulnerability falls under the category of remote code execution. It is exploited when a user is tricked into opening a specially crafted Microsoft Excel file, which then allows the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

What is the trigger path for CVE-2007-0671, and does it affect network services?

The trigger path requires a user to open a specially crafted Microsoft Excel file. This is a user-assisted attack, meaning it relies on user interaction rather than directly attacking a network service. Therefore, it does not exploit internet-facing services.

How relevant is CVE-2007-0671, especially considering it's an older vulnerability?

This vulnerability remains relevant because it has been identified as a Known Exploited Vulnerability (KEV) by the U.S. government, indicating active exploitation. While older, the potential for arbitrary code execution on widely used Microsoft Office products means it poses a significant risk.

What practical steps should be taken to address the risk of CVE-2007-0671?

Organizations should identify all affected Microsoft Office assets, especially versions of Excel, Access, Word, and others listed. Applying vendor-provided security updates or patches is crucial. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing mitigating controls to reduce the attack surface and isolate potentially compromised systems.

References