CVE-2009-0223 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2000 SP3, 2002 SP3, and 2003 SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted sound data in a file that uses a PowerPoint 4.0 native file format, leading to memory corruption, aka "Legacy File Format Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-0222, CVE-2009-0226, CVE-2009-0227, and CVE-2009-1137.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Office PowerPoint versions 2000 SP3, 2002 SP3, and 2003 SP3 that specifically targets the legacy file format processing engine. The vulnerability arises when PowerPoint encounters crafted sound data within PowerPoint 4.0 native format files, which are older binary formats that maintain backward compatibility with legacy systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management during the parsing of these legacy format elements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through specially crafted audio data embedded within presentation files.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of buffer overflow conditions that occur when PowerPoint attempts to process malformed sound data structures within legacy PowerPoint files. When a user opens or previews a maliciously crafted presentation file, the PowerPoint application's legacy file format handler fails to properly validate the size and structure of sound data elements, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over affected systems through a variety of attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through legitimate file preview functionality, making it exploitable through social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening malicious presentation files. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002, which covers user execution through malicious files, and T1059.001, covering command and scripting interpreter execution. The vulnerability affects systems running older versions of Microsoft Office that maintain support for legacy file formats, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments that have not fully migrated to newer Office versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. Microsoft released security updates that address the specific memory corruption issues in the legacy file format handler, but organizations should also implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of legacy PowerPoint files from untrusted sources. Network-based defenses should include filtering of PowerPoint files at perimeter defenses, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan and quarantine suspicious legacy format files. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening presentation files from unknown sources, and administrators should consider disabling legacy file format support entirely in environments where it is not required. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface exposed by legacy software components.