CVE-2009-1129 in PowerPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the PowerPoint 95 importer (PP7X32.DLL) in Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2000 SP3, 2002 SP3, and 2003 SP3 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an inconsistent record length in sound data in a file that uses a PowerPoint 95 (PPT95) native file format, aka "PP7 Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-1128.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2021
The CVE-2009-1129 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that exists within the PowerPoint 95 importer component of Microsoft Office versions 2000 SP3, 2002 SP3, and 2003 SP3. This vulnerability specifically affects the PP7X32.DLL dynamic link library responsible for processing PowerPoint 95 native file format files. The flaw manifests when the importer encounters sound data within PPT95 files that contains inconsistent record lengths, creating a scenario where memory allocation does not properly correspond to the actual data being processed. This discrepancy in record length handling creates an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory structures beyond their intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of PowerPoint 95 native file format files that contain specially crafted sound data with incorrect record length specifications. When Microsoft Office attempts to parse these malformed files, the importer fails to properly validate the record lengths within the sound data section, leading to stack memory corruption. This type of buffer overflow is classified as a stack-based vulnerability because the corrupted memory resides in the program's stack space, which typically contains function call information, return addresses, and local variables. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution, meaning an attacker could potentially deliver a malicious PowerPoint 95 file through email attachments, web downloads, or other remote delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1129 extends beyond simple system compromise, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Microsoft Office application. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated stack buffer. The attack vector involves social engineering tactics where users might inadvertently open malicious PowerPoint 95 files, particularly those containing embedded sound data with malformed record lengths. The vulnerability affects a significant portion of Microsoft Office users who still utilize older versions of the software, making it a persistent threat in enterprise environments where legacy systems remain operational.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, specifically targeting the use of malicious files to achieve code execution. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected Microsoft Office versions through official security updates, as well as implementing network security controls to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious PowerPoint files. Additionally, user education regarding file attachment handling and the implementation of email filtering systems can help reduce the risk of exploitation, though the most effective mitigation remains the timely application of Microsoft security patches and the eventual migration to supported Microsoft Office versions that no longer contain this vulnerability.