External risk intelligence

WPS Office Library Loading Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-7262

Kingsoft WPS Office is affected by a vulnerability allowing arbitrary Windows library loading. This presents a risk of unauthorized code execution and potential system compromise for affected organizations. The realistic business risk is elevated due to a single-click exploit via deceptive spreadsheets.

1Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Kingsoft Wps Office

12.2.0.13110 to before 12.2.0.16412

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-7262

The vulnerability exists within a desktop office productivity application (WPS Office) on Windows. It requires the local execution of a specific file (a spreadsheet) by a user, which is a client-side interaction. It is not an internet-facing service, gateway, or network-reachable component.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Kingsoft WPS Office application on Windows is affected by an improper path validation vulnerability. This flaw enables an attacker to load unintended Windows libraries. The primary business impact could involve unauthorized code execution and compromise of system integrity.

  • Vulnerable application component
  • Flaw allows arbitrary library loading
  • Potential for unauthorized code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted spreadsheet document. This action allows the attacker to load an arbitrary Windows library on the affected system. The attack path begins with a deceptive spreadsheet, leading to unauthorized library loading and potential system compromise.

  • Exposure: User opens malicious spreadsheet.
  • Attacker access: Arbitrary Windows library loaded.
  • Trigger and result: Compromised system control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk due to its critical severity and the existence of a single-click exploit. Attackers could leverage a deceptive spreadsheet to gain unauthorized access and load malicious libraries onto a user's system. This could lead to widespread compromise of data and systems.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction with a malicious file
  • Business risk or urgency: High; Treat as urgent

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability may allow an attacker to load arbitrary Windows libraries through a deceptive spreadsheet document. The risk is associated with Kingsoft WPS Office on Windows.

  • Find affected Kingsoft WPS Office assets.
  • Reduce exposure by isolating or blocking deceptive files.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate system changes.
  • Monitor for related security events.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kingsoft WPS Office and what is it used for?

Kingsoft WPS Office is a suite of productivity software for Windows, often used for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It is an alternative to other office suites and is used by individuals and organizations for daily document management tasks.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2024-7262 describe in WPS Office?

CVE-2024-7262 describes an 'Improper path validation' weakness. This means the software did not properly check the paths provided to it, allowing an attacker to trick it into loading a library from an unintended location, potentially a malicious one.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2024-7262, and what does not trigger it?

An attacker can exploit this by crafting a deceptive spreadsheet document. When a user opens this document, it can trigger the vulnerability. The vulnerability is not triggered by simply having WPS Office installed; user interaction with a malicious file is required.

Who should be concerned about CVE-2024-7262 based on its access?

Organizations running Kingsoft WPS Office on Windows, particularly those with internal systems where users might open shared or downloaded documents, should be concerned. Halo Surface Signal indicates this is an internal-facing vulnerability, meaning it typically affects endpoints within a network rather than directly exposed internet services.

What is the first step for users running WPS Office with this vulnerability?

The first step is to identify all instances of the affected Kingsoft WPS Office versions within your environment. After identification, seeking and applying any available patches or security updates provided by Kingsoft is crucial to mitigate the risk.

References