CVE-2008-6063 in Word
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Word 2007, when the "Save as PDF" add-on is enabled, places an absolute pathname in the Subject field during an "Email as PDF" operation, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as the sender s account name and a Temporary Internet Files subdirectory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2018
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Word 2007 when the Save as PDF add-on is enabled and the "Email as PDF" functionality is utilized. The flaw manifests when the application processes email messages and converts them to PDF format, specifically within the metadata generation process. During this operation, the system incorporates an absolute file path into the Subject field of the generated PDF document, creating a security exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers to gather sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output sanitization within the PDF generation module of Microsoft Word 2007. When users select the "Email as PDF" option, the application constructs a PDF document that includes metadata fields populated with system-specific information. The absolute pathname includes elements such as the sender's account name and temporary internet files directory structure, which are inadvertently exposed through the Subject field. This behavior represents a clear violation of information disclosure principles and demonstrates poor secure coding practices in handling file system paths within document metadata.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for subsequent attacks. The exposed information includes user account details and temporary file system structures that could aid in privilege escalation attempts or targeted attacks against specific user accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates automatically when users perform routine email operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent without proper system hardening. This aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling and metadata generation.
Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various means including social engineering campaigns, targeted reconnaissance, or as part of broader exploitation chains where the disclosed information serves as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a form of information gathering, specifically through the use of system information discovery techniques. The exposure of temporary internet files directory structures could potentially reveal additional system artifacts or provide insights into user browsing patterns and activities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the "Save as PDF" add-on when it is not required, applying Microsoft security updates, and implementing network monitoring to detect unusual PDF metadata patterns. The recommended approach involves configuring group policies to restrict access to PDF export functionality and establishing security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently exposing sensitive information through routine email operations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing file system access controls and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access to temporary internet files directories. This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure development practices and proper input sanitization in document processing applications.