External risk intelligence

Microsoft Graphics Component Vulnerability Allows Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2013-3906

A weakness in Microsoft's Graphics Component allows for arbitrary code execution via specially crafted TIFF images. This impacts Microsoft Windows and Office products, posing a risk to system integrity and data. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized code execution on affected systems.

1Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Microsoft Excel Viewer

2010201320032007

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2013-3906

The vulnerability affects client-side software including Microsoft Office and image processing components. Exploitation requires a user to open a specially crafted file, such as a document containing a malicious image. It is not an internet-facing service or network-reachable gateway, and therefore does not have a public internet attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Windows and Office products are affected by a flaw within the GDI+ component. This weakness allows for the execution of arbitrary code when a specially crafted TIFF image is processed. The potential impact includes unauthorized code execution on affected systems.

Vulnerable component: Microsoft GDI+
Core weakness: Improper processing of TIFF images
Main business impact: Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The Graphics Component in Microsoft Windows and Office applications allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. This is achieved by tricking users into opening a specially crafted TIFF image, often embedded within a document. Successful exploitation grants attackers control over the affected system, potentially leading to further compromise.

Exposure condition: Malicious TIFF image file.
Attacker starting point: Remote.
Trigger and result: Opening image executes attacker code.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through specially crafted TIFF images, often embedded within documents like those created in Microsoft Office. Exploitation in the wild was noted in late 2013. The potential for remote code execution presents a significant risk to organizational data and systems.

Attackers may require moderate skill.
User interaction is necessary to open a malicious file.
Business risk is high; urgent action is advised.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability impacts organizations by allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted TIFF images, potentially within documents. Such an attack could compromise affected systems, leading to data breaches or further network infiltration. The risk to business operations and data confidentiality is significant due to the potential for code execution on vulnerable systems.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the Microsoft GDI+ component affected by CVE-2013-3906 and what is its function?

The Microsoft GDI+ component, or Graphics Device Interface Plus, is a graphics rendering engine utilized by Windows and various Office applications. It is responsible for drawing images, text, and graphics, and it processes multiple image formats, including TIFF files, which are central to this vulnerability.

How does CVE-2013-3906 enable arbitrary code execution?

CVE-2013-3906 is a weakness in how GDI+ handles TIFF image files. When a specially crafted TIFF image is processed by the vulnerable GDI+ component, it can lead to memory corruption, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the user's system.

What is the trigger for CVE-2013-3906 exploitation, and what is the scope?

Exploitation of CVE-2013-3906 is triggered when a user opens a specially crafted TIFF image, often embedded within a document like a Microsoft Word file. The vulnerability is local in scope, meaning it affects the system on which the malicious file is opened, but it does not inherently extend to other systems without further lateral movement.

What is the relevance of CVE-2013-3906, considering its exploitation in the wild?

CVE-2013-3906 is relevant due to its exploitation in the wild during October and November 2013. The threat advisory from CISA indicates its inclusion in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, highlighting its active use by malicious actors and the significant risk it posed.

What practical steps should be taken to address CVE-2013-3906?

To address CVE-2013-3906, organizations should identify all affected assets running vulnerable versions of Microsoft Windows and Office. Mitigation involves reducing exposure by isolating risky systems or applying vendor-provided security updates to fix the vulnerability. Verification and continuous monitoring are also crucial steps.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.