CVE-2007-0934 in Visio
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Microsoft Visio 2002 allows remote user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Visio (.VSD, VSS, .VST) file with a crafted version number that triggers memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2019
Microsoft Visio 2002 contains an unspecified memory corruption vulnerability that arises from improper handling of crafted version numbers within Visio file formats. This vulnerability affects the .VSD, .VSS, and .VST file extensions which are commonly used for diagramming and visualization purposes. The flaw occurs during the parsing process when the application encounters a malformed version number in these files, leading to unpredictable memory behavior and potential code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the Visio file parser. When a maliciously crafted Visio file with an altered version number is opened, the application fails to properly validate the file structure, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption flaws that are commonly classified as CWE-125, which represents out-of-bounds read conditions, or CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only user interaction to trigger, making it a user-assisted remote attack vector that can be delivered through various means including email attachments or web downloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user who opens the compromised file, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system control. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Visio 2002 for business processes and diagramming, creating a significant security risk for enterprises that may not have updated to newer versions. This represents a critical security gap that could be exploited in targeted attacks against organizations with legacy Visio installations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting file execution permissions for Visio files, deploying application whitelisting solutions, and ensuring that all users have access to updated versions of Microsoft Visio. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution techniques, specifically targeting the use of malicious files for code execution. System administrators should also consider network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxy configurations to prevent the delivery of malicious Visio files. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to address similar vulnerabilities in legacy software systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against exploitation of known flaws in older applications.