External risk intelligence

Microsoft Office Memory Handling Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2017-0262

Microsoft Office has a memory handling vulnerability that could allow unauthorized code execution. This impacts organizations using affected versions of Office by potentially compromising systems and data. The realistic business risk involves attackers gaining control through user interaction with malicious files.

1Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Microsoft Office

201020132016

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2017-0262

This vulnerability affects Microsoft Office, a client-side productivity application suite. It is not a network-facing service, gateway, or public API, and typically requires user interaction with a malicious file to be triggered, making it inherently unsuited for direct exposure to the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Office software contains a memory handling flaw that could allow for remote code execution. This vulnerability exists when the software fails to properly process specific objects in memory. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized actions on affected systems, impacting data integrity and system availability.

  • Microsoft Office software
  • Improper memory object handling
  • System compromise and data loss

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by leveraging how Microsoft Office handles objects in memory. An attacker could craft a malicious document or file that, when opened by an affected user, would trigger the vulnerability. This could lead to the attacker gaining control of the user's system, potentially impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability.

  • Attacker requires user interaction.
  • Triggering action involves opening a malicious file.
  • Resulting control impacts system and data.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Microsoft Office could allow attackers to execute malicious code. Exploitation typically requires the user to open a specially crafted file, which then bypasses security measures by failing to properly handle memory objects. The potential impact includes unauthorized access and modification of sensitive data or system control.

  • Likely attacker skill: Not specified
  • Required access or conditions: User opens malicious file
  • Business risk or urgency: Not specified

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The organization should address a vulnerability present in Microsoft Office applications. This vulnerability could allow for the execution of malicious code if an attacker can trick a user into opening a specially crafted document. Addressing this issue is important for maintaining the security and integrity of organizational systems and data.

  • Identify all instances of affected Office software.
  • Reduce potential exposure and isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify the fix, and monitor activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2017-0262)?

This vulnerability, CVE-2017-0262, affects Microsoft Office 2010 SP2, Office 2013 SP1, and Office 2016. It arises when the software improperly handles objects in memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute malicious code on a user's system.

How does CVE-2017-0262 allow an attacker to compromise a system?

The vulnerability is a memory handling flaw. An attacker could create a malicious document. If a user opens this document in an affected version of Microsoft Office, the software's failure to properly process memory objects could be exploited to run the attacker's code.

What preconditions are needed for an attack using CVE-2017-0262?

An attacker needs a user to open a specially crafted malicious file. The vulnerability is not triggered if the affected user does not interact with such a file. No specific access or conditions beyond user interaction are detailed for triggering the bug.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2017-0262 based on Halo Surface Signal?

Given that this vulnerability affects Microsoft Office, a client-side application typically requiring user interaction with a file, Halo classifies it as an 'internal' threat. This means it's not directly exposed to the internet, making it less likely to be targeted by external attackers compared to network-facing services.

What are the first steps for organizations running affected Microsoft Office versions?

Organizations should identify all instances of the affected Microsoft Office versions. Applying vendor-provided updates is the primary step to address this vulnerability. Monitoring for suspicious activity after applying patches is also recommended.

References