External risk intelligence

Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2017-0199

A vulnerability exists in Microsoft Office and Windows that permits remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted documents. This poses a business risk by potentially allowing unauthorized code execution on affected systems. Organizations should identify and protect vulnerable assets, reduce exposure, and appl

2Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Microsoft Office

2007201020132016r27.08.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2017-0199

The vulnerability involves the processing of crafted documents by client-side applications like Microsoft Office and WordPad. Successful exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file. While documents are frequently received via email or downloaded, the software itself is not a network-reachable service, gateway, or internet-facing endpoint.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Office and Windows components are susceptible to a vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code. This flaw arises from how these applications handle specially crafted files. If exploited, it could lead to unauthorized code execution on affected systems.

Microsoft Office and Windows
Improper file handling
Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A specially crafted document can lead to unauthorized code execution on affected systems. This occurs when an attacker tricks a user into opening a malicious file. The document then exploits a weakness in how certain applications handle specially crafted files, allowing the attacker to gain control.

Document exposure to user.
Attacker shares malicious document.
User opens document; code executes.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The identified vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This means an attacker could potentially take control of a system if they can trick a user into opening a specially crafted document. The impact could range from data theft to the disruption of business operations, depending on the compromised system's role.

Attackers with moderate skill.
Requires user to open a malicious document.
High business risk; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by tricking users into opening a specially crafted document. Organizations should take immediate steps to identify and protect their systems from this risk. Understanding the scope of affected assets and implementing appropriate mitigations is crucial to preventing potential compromise and maintaining operational integrity.

Identify exposed Microsoft Office and Windows assets.
Reduce exposure via access controls and filtering.
Apply vendor fixes, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Office and WordPad and their function?

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. WordPad is a basic word processor in Windows. Both are used for creating and editing documents and files.

What type of weakness does CVE-2017-0199 represent?

CVE-2017-0199 is a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker can execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system by tricking a user into interacting with a specially crafted file.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2017-0199?

An attacker can exploit this by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted document. This document exploits a weakness in how Microsoft Office or WordPad parses such files, allowing the attacker to execute code.

What is the relevance of CVE-2017-0199, according to CISA's Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies this CVE as internal because the attack vector is local. Exploitation requires user interaction, like opening a malicious file, and the software is not a network-accessible service.

What practical steps should be taken regarding CVE-2017-0199?

Identify exposed Microsoft Office and Windows assets. Reduce exposure through access controls and filtering. Apply vendor fixes, verify their implementation, and continuously monitor systems for any signs of compromise.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia, threatActor, tool

Written by Nicholas Merritt

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