CVE-2006-2387 in Office
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Microsoft Excel 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 for Mac, v.X for Mac, Excel Viewer 2003, and Microsoft Works Suite 2004 through 2006 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted DATETIME record in an XLS file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-3867 and CVE-2006-3875.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
This vulnerability resides within Microsoft Excel's handling of spreadsheet files, specifically targeting versions from Excel 2000 through 2004 for Mac, along with Excel Viewer 2003 and Works Suite 2004-2006. The flaw manifests when Excel processes a specially crafted DATETIME record embedded within an XLS file format, representing a classic buffer overflow condition that enables remote code execution. The vulnerability operates through a user-assisted attack vector, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to open a malicious file, which aligns with common social engineering tactics used in targeted attacks. This issue is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, though the actual exploitation involves memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The attack surface extends beyond just Excel to include the broader Microsoft Office ecosystem, particularly affecting users who rely on older versions of these applications that may not have received security updates.
The technical exploitation occurs when Excel encounters a malformed DATETIME record within an XLS file structure, causing the application to improperly handle memory allocation during the parsing process. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution pointers or inject malicious code into the application's memory space. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The DATETIME record manipulation exploits an inherent weakness in Excel's file parsing logic, where input validation fails to properly sanitize the data structure before processing. This allows attackers to craft malicious XLS files that, when opened, trigger the vulnerable code path and execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's classification as a user-assisted attack reflects the requirement for user interaction, though this interaction can be achieved through various social engineering methods including phishing emails or malicious file sharing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to organizations that maintain legacy systems running unsupported versions of Microsoft Office, creating potential entry points for sophisticated attackers seeking to establish persistent access within network environments. Organizations with users who frequently open spreadsheet files from untrusted sources face heightened risk, particularly in environments where automatic file execution is enabled or where users lack security awareness training. The vulnerability affects both end-user productivity and enterprise security, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network infrastructures. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates outside the typical exploit patterns for Microsoft Office applications, requiring specific attention to older software versions that may not receive regular security updates. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious XLS file with a specially formatted DATETIME record, which when opened by a vulnerable Excel version, triggers the memory corruption and subsequent code execution.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates and patch management, as Microsoft released security patches addressing this vulnerability through their regular update cycles. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for spreadsheet files received from external sources, and consider deploying email filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious XLS files. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening files from untrusted sources. The implementation of application whitelisting solutions can prevent the execution of unauthorized software, including older versions of Excel that may contain this vulnerability. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file opening patterns and anomalous memory access behaviors that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments should target legacy applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates how older software versions can remain exploitable even years after initial discovery, particularly in environments where software modernization has not been prioritized.