CVE-2002-0619 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
The Mail Merge Tool in Microsoft Word 2002 for Windows, when Microsoft Access is present on a system, allows remote attackers to execute Visual Basic (VBA) scripts within a mail merge document that is saved in HTML format, aka a "Variant of MS00-071, Word Mail Merge Vulnerability" (CVE-2000-0788).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0619 represents a significant security flaw in Microsoft Word 2002 for Windows that leverages the integration between Word and Microsoft Access to enable remote code execution through malicious VBA scripts. This vulnerability specifically affects the Mail Merge functionality when an Access database is present on the same system, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the interaction between these applications. The flaw stems from how Word handles HTML-formatted mail merge documents that contain embedded VBA code, allowing malicious scripts to execute automatically when the document is opened. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that combines application integration weaknesses with macro execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such configurations are common.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of HTML mail merge documents that contain embedded Visual Basic for Applications code within the context of a Word document that references an Access database. When a user opens such a malicious document, the HTML formatting triggers the execution of VBA macros that were embedded within the document structure. The vulnerability operates through the interaction between Word's mail merge functionality and the Access database connection, where the HTML rendering process inadvertently executes VBA code without proper user consent or security validation. This behavior aligns with CWE-749, which describes "Expose of Functionality to Unintended Actors" as the underlying weakness, since the VBA execution mechanism is exposed to unintended remote attackers through the mail merge HTML processing. The vulnerability essentially bypasses normal security boundaries that would typically prevent automatic macro execution, creating a scenario where malicious code can run without explicit user interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0619 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass broader security implications for Microsoft Office environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems through the execution of malicious VBA payloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through email attachments or web-based delivery mechanisms, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. The attack vector is amplified by the fact that many users are accustomed to opening Word documents without considering the security implications of embedded macros, especially when documents appear legitimate and are delivered through trusted channels. This vulnerability effectively enables a form of social engineering combined with technical exploitation, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security controls that might otherwise prevent malicious code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0619 must address both the immediate technical vulnerability and broader security practices within Microsoft Office environments. Organizations should implement strict macro security policies that disable automatic macro execution and require explicit user consent before running any VBA code, which directly addresses the ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. System administrators should also disable the mail merge functionality when Access is present on systems, or ensure that HTML mail merge documents are properly sanitized before distribution. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining updated security configurations and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such attacks. Additionally, user education regarding document security and the risks associated with opening attachments from untrusted sources becomes critical, as this vulnerability relies heavily on user behavior to be successfully exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent the execution of unauthorized VBA macros, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize least privilege execution and process isolation. The vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of comprehensive security approaches that combine technical controls with user awareness training to effectively defend against sophisticated attack vectors.