CVE-2002-0727 in Project
Summary
by MITRE
The Host function in Microsoft Office Web Components (OWC) 2000 and 2002 is exposed in components that are marked as safe for scripting, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the setTimeout method.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0727 resides within Microsoft Office Web Components version 2000 and 2002, specifically within the Host function implementation that is designed to be safe for scripting. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the intended security boundaries of the component architecture, allowing attackers to bypass the safe scripting restrictions that should protect against malicious code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects components that are commonly deployed in enterprise environments where Office Web Components are used for web-based document processing and data visualization tasks.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper exposure of the Host function within the OWC component framework, which enables attackers to leverage the setTimeout method for arbitrary command execution. This occurs because the component's security model fails to properly validate or restrict access to the Host function even when the component is marked as safe for scripting. The setTimeout method, when exploited, allows attackers to schedule and execute malicious code within the context of the compromised application, effectively providing a backdoor mechanism for remote code execution. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-94, which address improper neutralization of special elements used in object references and code injection respectively, demonstrating how insecure component design can lead to remote code execution through seemingly benign scripting interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple exploitation, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. Attackers can use this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Office Web Components, which could include administrative privileges in certain deployment scenarios. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where these components are frequently used for web-based reporting and data visualization, as they often run with elevated permissions. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell execution and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating how the flaw can be leveraged to establish footholds and maintain persistence within target networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates and patches that address the component exposure issue. Organizations must ensure that all systems running affected versions of Office Web Components are updated with the latest security patches from Microsoft, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent security releases. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems containing vulnerable components, while application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized execution of malicious code. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous use of setTimeout and related scripting methods that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should verify that components are properly configured and updated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the application stack.