CVE-1999-1474 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
PowerPoint 95 and 97 allows remote attackers to cause an application to be run automatically without prompting the user, possibly through the slide show, when the document is opened in browsers such as Internet Explorer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft PowerPoint 95 and 97 versions where the software fails to properly validate and sanitize embedded content within presentation files. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious PowerPoint documents that can automatically execute application code when opened in web browsers such as Internet Explorer. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation mechanisms that would normally prevent automatic execution of potentially harmful code during document rendering. When users open these specially crafted documents in browser environments, the PowerPoint application component within the browser automatically triggers execution of embedded macros or code without user consent or explicit prompting. This represents a classic case of insufficient validation of untrusted data and improper handling of potentially malicious content within application contexts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it exploits the trust relationship between the browser and installed Office applications, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of PowerPoint file formats to include embedded executable content that is automatically interpreted and executed when the document is rendered within browser contexts. This behavior occurs because the browser's integration with Office applications does not properly isolate or sanitize the content being processed, creating an execution path that bypasses normal security controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and also relates to CWE-94 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack vector is particularly effective when users open PowerPoint documents through web-based interfaces or when documents are automatically opened in browser contexts without proper security warnings. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when considering the automated execution paths available to attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized execution capabilities on targeted systems without requiring any user interaction beyond opening the malicious document. This creates a serious risk for organizations where users may inadvertently open compromised PowerPoint files through email attachments, web downloads, or shared network resources. The vulnerability can be exploited to deliver malware, establish backdoors, or perform other malicious activities that would otherwise require more sophisticated attack vectors. The automatic execution nature means that even users who are security-aware may be compromised if they simply open documents that appear legitimate. Organizations using older versions of PowerPoint 95 and 97 are particularly vulnerable as these versions lack modern security features and sandboxing capabilities that would prevent such automatic execution. The risk is compounded by the fact that many users are unaware of the security implications of opening documents from untrusted sources, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where document sharing is common. This vulnerability essentially creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple systems without requiring any additional user compromise steps beyond document opening.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on immediate remediation through software updates and version control. Organizations should immediately upgrade from PowerPoint 95 and 97 to supported versions that include proper input validation and security controls. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling automatic execution of embedded content within browser contexts and implementing strict content filtering policies. Security administrators should configure browser security settings to prevent automatic activation of Office applications when viewing documents, particularly through Internet Explorer which was the primary target of this vulnerability. Network-level controls such as content filtering and email scanning should be implemented to prevent malicious PowerPoint documents from reaching end users. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of not opening documents from untrusted sources and the risks associated with automatic execution features. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unauthorized Office components and establish proper patch management procedures to ensure all systems are running current security updates. Organizations should also review their browser configurations to disable ActiveX controls and other potentially dangerous components that may enable automatic execution of malicious code. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors simultaneously.