CVE-2001-0240 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Word before Word 2002 allows attackers to automatically execute macros without warning the user via a Rich Text Format (RTF) document that links to a template with the embedded macro.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2019
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word versions prior to Word 2002 and represents a significant security flaw in the application's macro handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects how Word processes Rich Text Format documents that contain embedded template references, creating an automatic execution path for malicious macros without user consent or awareness. The flaw exploits the trust relationship between Word and its template system, allowing attackers to craft RTF documents that silently load and execute malicious code when opened by vulnerable versions of the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of RTF document structure to include template references that contain embedded macros. When a user opens such a document, Word automatically processes the template link and executes any macros contained within the referenced template without displaying the typical macro security warnings that would normally alert users to potentially dangerous code execution. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of user consent and explicit warning mechanisms that are standard in modern software applications. The vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically relates to situations where code is executed without proper user authorization or security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables attackers to deliver malware through seemingly legitimate document formats. Users can be compromised simply by opening an RTF document, making this vector particularly dangerous for social engineering campaigns. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond document opening, and the lack of warning messages makes it difficult for users to recognize when they have been compromised. This vulnerability essentially removes the user's ability to make informed security decisions about macro execution, creating a scenario where malicious actors can achieve code execution without any user awareness or consent.
Organizations and individuals should immediately upgrade to Microsoft Word 2002 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through enhanced macro security controls and improved template handling mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing strict macro security policies, disabling macro execution entirely for untrusted documents, and deploying email filtering solutions that can identify and block suspicious RTF attachments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for spearphishing, as it enables initial access through document-based attacks that bypass traditional security controls. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in software design, where applications should not automatically execute code from untrusted sources without explicit user consent.