CVE-2008-0120 in PowerPoint Viewer
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PowerPoint file with a malformed picture index that triggers memory corruption, related to handling of CString objects, aka "Memory Allocation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0120 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer 2003 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory allocation mechanisms used when processing PowerPoint presentation files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The flaw manifests when the viewer encounters a specially crafted PowerPoint file containing a malformed picture index, which causes the application to mishandle memory allocation during the processing of CString objects.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the PowerPoint Viewer's handling of multimedia elements within presentation files. When the viewer processes a PowerPoint file with an invalid picture index, it attempts to allocate memory based on malformed integer values that exceed the maximum limits for integer data types. This overflow condition results in insufficient memory allocation or incorrect memory boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow, specifically involving signed integer overflow that occurs during memory allocation operations. The exploitation occurs through the manipulation of CString objects which are fundamental data structures used for string handling in the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime environment, making this attack vector particularly dangerous as it targets core application components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can craft malicious presentation files. Systems running PowerPoint Viewer 2003 are particularly susceptible since the vulnerability exists in the application's core file processing logic, meaning any user who opens a malicious PowerPoint file could potentially have their system compromised. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction beyond opening the file, making it suitable for phishing campaigns or automated exploitation across networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling remote code execution through application vulnerabilities, and specifically relates to T1059 which involves the execution of malicious code through compromised applications. The memory corruption resulting from the integer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the application's memory space, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying the official Microsoft security patch released for this vulnerability, which corrects the integer overflow condition in the memory allocation routines. Organizations should also implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of untrusted PowerPoint files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Network-based mitigations can include implementing content filtering solutions that scan PowerPoint files for known malicious patterns and malformed structures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices as outlined in secure coding standards, and organizations should review their application security practices to prevent similar issues in other software components. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing application whitelisting solutions can significantly reduce the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities, as the exploitation relies on specific versions of the PowerPoint Viewer that are no longer supported by Microsoft.