CVE-2008-1092 in Jet Database Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in msjet40.dll before 4.0.9505.0 in Microsoft Jet Database Engine allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Word file, as exploited in the wild in March 2008. NOTE: as of 20080513, Microsoft has stated that this is the same issue as CVE-2007-6026.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1092 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Microsoft Jet Database Engine component known as msjet40.dll. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 4.0.9505.0 and specifically affects the handling of crafted Word documents that contain maliciously formatted data structures. The flaw operates through the exploitation of improper bounds checking mechanisms within the database engine's processing of embedded or linked data elements, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild during March 2008, demonstrating its significance and the immediate threat it posed to unpatched systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the Jet Database Engine's processing pipeline. When a specially crafted Word document is opened or processed by an application that utilizes the Jet Database Engine for data handling, the msjet40.dll component attempts to parse and store embedded database references or structured data elements. The buffer overflow occurs when the engine allocates insufficient memory space for processing the malicious data, allowing an attacker to inject executable code into adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption. The flaw specifically targets the engine's handling of structured data formats that are commonly embedded within Microsoft Office documents, making the attack vector particularly effective against end-user systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain full system compromise through the exploitation of the buffer overflow condition. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised user, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability's effectiveness is amplified by the widespread use of Microsoft Office applications and the Jet Database Engine across enterprise environments, creating a broad attack surface that could affect thousands of systems simultaneously. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The exploitation pattern demonstrates the classic use of social engineering combined with software exploitation, where users unknowingly open malicious documents that trigger the vulnerable code path.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1092 primarily focus on applying the Microsoft security patches released in May 2008, specifically targeting the msjet40.dll component version 4.0.9505.0 and later. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly, as the vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies that restrict the opening of untrusted Word documents, particularly those containing embedded database elements or macros. Network-based defenses such as email filtering systems should be configured to block suspicious Office document attachments, while endpoint protection solutions should be enhanced to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a heap-based buffer overflow necessitates memory protection mechanisms such as DEP (Data Execution Prevention) and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) to make exploitation more difficult. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of vulnerable components, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems within the organization's infrastructure.