External risk intelligence

Microsoft Outlook Command Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2017-11774

Microsoft Outlook versions are affected by a vulnerability allowing arbitrary command execution due to improper object handling in memory. This presents a business risk of unauthorized command execution, potentially leading to system compromise and data breaches. Organizations using affected Outlook versions should add

1Halo Surface Signal

Memory Corruption

Microsoft Outlook

201020132016

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2017-11774

This vulnerability affects Microsoft Outlook, which is a locally installed desktop client application. It is not a network-facing service, appliance, or web-based infrastructure and does not have a public internet attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft Outlook versions are vulnerable due to how the application handles objects in memory. This flaw can permit an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on a user's system. The potential business impact includes unauthorized command execution, which could lead to further system compromise or data breaches.

  • Vulnerable: Microsoft Outlook
  • Flaw: Improper object handling in memory
  • Impact: Arbitrary command execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands by exploiting how Microsoft Office handles objects in memory. The attack begins with a condition that exposes the system to an attacker, who then gains access and triggers an action that leads to control or impact. This could result in unauthorized command execution on affected systems.

  • Exposure through specific Microsoft Outlook versions.
  • Attacker initiates command execution.
  • Arbitrary commands are run.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability impacts Microsoft Outlook, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary commands. Attackers could exploit this by convincing a user to open a specially crafted email or attachment. The potential damage includes unauthorized command execution, which could lead to data compromise or further system infiltration. Given the potential for code execution and the presence of known exploited vulnerability information, this issue warrants attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate.
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction required.
  • Business risk or urgency: High impact possible.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands by manipulating how objects are handled in memory. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file or link, and leads to unauthorized command execution. The risk is associated with an attacker's ability to bypass security features, potentially impacting system integrity and confidentiality.

  • Find affected Outlook installations.
  • Block malicious content or links.
  • Apply vendor security updates.
  • Verify update deployment.
  • Monitor for suspicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Outlook and what is it used for?

Microsoft Outlook is an application used for email, calendar, contact, and task management. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is widely used by individuals and organizations for daily communication and organization.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2017-11774 represent in Outlook?

CVE-2017-11774 is a security feature bypass vulnerability. This means it allows an attacker to circumvent security restrictions in Microsoft Outlook, specifically due to how the software handles objects in memory. This falls under the weakness class CWE-119, which relates to buffer errors.

How can an attacker exploit this CVE-2017-11774 vulnerability in Outlook?

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a specially crafted email or attachment. This user interaction is a prerequisite for the attacker to potentially execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. It does not trigger if the user does not interact with the malicious content.

Who should be concerned about this Outlook vulnerability based on its Halo Surface Signal?

Given that Microsoft Outlook is a locally installed desktop application and not a network-facing service, this vulnerability is classified as internal. Therefore, organizations with internal networks and users running affected versions of Outlook should be concerned, as the threat is not directly exposed to the public internet.

What are the first steps to address this CVE-2017-11774 threat in Microsoft Outlook?

The first practical steps involve identifying all installations of the affected Microsoft Outlook versions within your environment. It is also recommended to block any malicious content or links that could be used to trigger the vulnerability and to prioritize applying security updates provided by Microsoft.

References